205. ACCOUTREMENTS OF LT. COL. SILAS HUNTER, 57TH U.S. COLORED TROOPS A good grouping of items once belonging to Lt. Col. Silas Hunter (1832-1917)), including a large portrait, a gold presentation watch, binoculars and various documents and newspaper clippings. Silas Hunter served in the 2nd Indiana Home Guard , the 11th U.S.C.T. and the 57th U.S.C.T. When war broke out, the well-to-do Hunter converted his property to cash, loaned it to neighbors and joined the Union Army. After five years of service, he mustered out in 1866 and returned home, only to find all of his neighbors bankrupt and his fortune gone. The most touching item in the grouping is a gold presentation hunter case pocket watch, key wound M1857, (with key), made by the American Watch Co. and in working order, with movement by Wm. Ellery, size 18. The watch is engraved within: "Presented to Lt. Col. S. Hunter by the line officers of his Reg. as a token of their esteem, Dec. 6, 1866", and bears his initials on the outside as well. Attached is a 12" gold watch chain. The charcoal portrait of Hunter is 16" x 18", ca. 1870, set in a period frame. It shows the ex-officer with shoulder-length hair and a bushy moustache in a chest, up pose. The black painted plaster frame bears some chips here and there. The field glasses are brass, painted black, covered in black leather with one cover split (reattached), both leather pieces scuffed. The eyepiece is marked "MERCHANT MARINE  PARIS" and one lens bears damage, likely from being dropped. Documents included in the grouping are Hunter's commission appointing him major in the 11th U.S.C.T., his appointment to major in the 57th U.S.C.T, and his appointment to lieutenant colonel in the same regiment, as well as related clippings. A fine grouping from a senior officer of a colored regiment. The exact date of the binoculars is not known, and they may be from the early 20th century.$2,000 - 3,000