Lot 1271

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Description:

1271. REMNANTS OF CORTES' OCCUPATION OF MEXICO A grouping of four iron relics attributed to forces under the commend of Hernan Cortes (1485-1547), the Spanish conquistador who initiated the conquest of the Aztec Empire on behalf of Charles V. Including in the grouping is a period stirrup with spiked wheel, two axe heads, and a small cannonball which still bears a fragment of an early identifying label. From the John P. Geiselman Collection. John P. Geiselman (d. 2001), a Gettysburg native, began his collecting as a child in the early 1920s, and during the pre-World II period had access to artifacts from the estates of those who had collected relics directly from the field of battle. In most cases, Geiselman carefully documented the sources of items in his collection. He collected in other fields as well, including more modern and ancient militaria. Regrettably, although Geiselman was a careful, conscientious collector, all we have in the way of provenance for this lot is his cryptic note: "Relics from Cortez army when over run Mexico 1519 Out of museum in Baltimore (Hess)". Obtained directly from noted Gettysburg dealers The Horse Soldier, whose expertise in arms, projectiles and relics is unimpeachable. $800 - 1,200

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November 29, 2007 11:00 AM EST
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