EXTREMELY RARE Piece Of CIVIL WAR Balloon, Prof Lowe, Peninsula Va, 13th NH, GAR
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:8156899 |
Extremely Rare Civil War Piece of Professor Lowe's Balloon "Enterprise"DESCRIPTION: Nice original Civil War souvenir fragment of one of Professor Lowe's balloons. He was the "pioneer" who used these balloons to report on enemy troop movements, locations, and strengths. This one has a nice early identification attached to it: "A piece of Proffesor Lowes aeronautical ballon 'Enterprise', taken by Lt. S. Millet Thompson of the 13th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, after it was destr...oyed upon landing near his camp on the Peninsula in 1862". It is typed, but the typing appears early as is the thin paper and the string. Probably something that was done by Thompson in his later years or by his heirs, for preservation. POSSIBLY DONE TO IDENTIFY IT BEFORE DONATING TO HIS GAR POST' RELIC COLLECTION??? A common occurrance as the vets got older and were trying to preserve their momentoes for succedding generations. Scans show all. As would be expected due to its age, it is stiff and flat, nothing like the flexible 3-D material used at the time. You can see the fine weave of the original material at the edges. Appears to be made of extremely fine silk cloth, treated, which makes sense to hold in gas. Has the original fragment of seam where some of the lines would have been attached. Appears to have been cut as a souvenir by this officer. It certainly would have been quite a unique thing and would have made quite a souvenir of "technology". Referred to many times in contemporary history references and even soldier letters....must have been something for these farm boys to see!!!I have had it for a number of years in my collection.WOULD LOOK GREAT AND A SPECIAL PART IN ANY COLLECTION OR EVEN A MUSEUM DUE TO ITS RARENESS.In excellent condition overall considering its dryness. A great, and extremely rare and unusual Civil War relic. A great looking display item with a variety of collections and a wonderful piece of history. You can picture this balloon aloft and in use during the Peninsula campaigns in 1862!
SIZE/CONDITION: Piece itself measures roughly 5” x 2". SHIPPING TERMS: Buyer pays $8 insured shipping in the US. With the Riker case I got it in.
SIZE/CONDITION: Piece itself measures roughly 5” x 2". SHIPPING TERMS: Buyer pays $8 insured shipping in the US. With the Riker case I got it in.
