Description:

HUNGARIAN CAVALRYMAN MICHAEL KOVATS BRONZE PLAQUE
MICHAEL KOVATS (1724–1779) Hungarian nobleman and cavalry officer who served in the Continental Army where he was killed in battle. Kovats was tasked with training cavalrymen and did so in the tradition of the Hungarian hussars: in basic form, training and organization, they resembled their European counterparts. The Legion was transferred to New Jersey and sent to the Battle of Osborne Island and Egg Harbor in October. On February 2, 1779, the Legion marched to South Carolina to join General Benjamin Lincoln's forces. During the long march, smallpox took its toll: only 150 soldiers arrived in Charleston. During the siege of Charleston, the situation became critical and the population urged surrender. Pulaski's legion arrived on 8 May 1779 and unsuccessfully attacked the British troops under General Prevost on 11 May. In the battle of 11 May 1779, Kovats lost his life and was buried on the spot. General Casimir Pulaski and Kovats together are considered the 'founding fathers of the U.S. cavalry'. Rare bronze panel by Hungarian artist Alexander Finta (1881–1958) from 1939, 23.5 x 15.5 cm, mounted on a 25.4 x 35.6 cm oak base. The plaque shows Kovats in the right profile on his horse with the sword in his hand, American and Hungarian shields at the top and a description at the bottom with the Latin motto: 'DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO LIBERTATE MORI'. Bears the signature of the artist Finta and the date 1939. Commissioned by the Colonel Commandant Michael de Kovats Committee. Very good.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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