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  ELABORATE PEN & INK SOLDIER’S RECORD WITH AMERICAN PATRIOTIC COLORS AND IMAGERY, MADE FOR VERNON E. CUMMINGS OF THE 2ND REGIMENT, COMPANY D, WHO SUPPORTED TEDDY ROOSEVELT’S ROUGH RIDER’S ON SAN JUAN HILL, 1898, SIGNED “ODBEERE”
Dimensions (inches): 17.75" x 8.25" (site), 20.5" x 11"
Description:
This highly detailed pen & ink watercolor, rendered in fraktur or family record type fashion, celebrates the military service of Vernon E. Cummings of Michigan, who enlisted in the U.S. Army at Battle Creek in 1898, in service of the Spanish American War. The work consists of three basic registers, each containing patriotic imagery and text, interspersed with geometric elements, flora and fauna.

At the top, beneath bows of elm or beech, is an arched ribbon with the title “Soldier’s Record.” Below this is a spread-winged eagle, with a ribbon in its beak that bears the text “For Freedom and the Flag,” surrounded by stencil-like starburst medallions.

In the center is another banner with the soldier’s name, from which more branches extend in wreath-like fashion above a circular window with fanciful geometric borders. Inside this is a prominent federal shield with a purposeful 13 stars (a few not visible) and 13 pales, about and on top of which the name of the respective unit: “ Co. D, 2nd Regiment, U.S.A. Beneath this is the word “Enlisted,” under which, partially encircling the window from below, is a ribbon with text that completes the statement: “At Battle.Creek Mich. May 19th 1898 To Serve.3.Years.” Under the ribbon is the famous Spanish-American War slogan: “Remember the Maine.”

At the bottom is a large scroll, flanked by more branches. This reads:

“Supported the Rough Riders At Seville; June 24th 1898; In The Famous.Charge At San.Juan Hill; Santiago; July 1st 1898.”

Beneath, flanked to the left and right by facing cannon, is a small box with the message “Comin Ages Will Give.Honor To.The Boys Who Wore The Blue.”

The entire graphic is surrounded by a red, white, and blue, block style border. Thoughtful use of color throughout adds considerably to the whimsically endearing, amateur, folk-style work.

The work is signed “Executed by Odberre” along the lower edge, just above the border.

The drawing was placed in a ring and baluster turned, corner block frame of the early 19th century. Probably conscripted from an American eglomise mirror, the frame is exceptionally fitting and contributes significantly to this terrific folk art object.

Signatures of Vernon Cummings, on both the back of the work and the original wooden back of the elaborate frame, serve to both confirm the original employment of the frame to the work and add a personal element from the actual recipient.

The original glass was replaced with U.V. protective glass. Spacers keep this away from the work.

Condition: There is minor foxing, overall age toning, and minor fading.
   
Primary Color: red-white-blue
Earliest Date: 1898
Latest Date: 1900
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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