![[WASHINGTON, George]. Saddle holster for a pistol, part of a pair reportedly owned by Washington, most likely prior to the Revolution. Probably of English manufacture (suggested by the "three feathers" emblem of the Prince of Wales), no date [ca. 1750-1775?].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2011/NYR/2011_NYR_02488_0199_000(washington_george_saddle_holster_for_a_pistol_part_of_a_pair_reportedl122334).jpg?w=1)
THE PROPERTY OF A LADY
[WASHINGTON, George]. Saddle holster for a pistol, part of a pair reportedly owned by Washington, most likely prior to the Revolution. Probably of English manufacture (suggested by the "three feathers" emblem of the Prince of Wales), no date [ca. 1750-1775?].
Details
[WASHINGTON, George]. Saddle holster for a pistol, part of a pair reportedly owned by Washington, most likely prior to the Revolution. Probably of English manufacture (suggested by the "three feathers" emblem of the Prince of Wales), no date [ca. 1750-1775?].
Oval in form, approximately 16 x 18½ in.; central panel of dark red velvet (rubbed, worn, small mends), edged with 3/4 in. ribbon of gold or silver braid; the opening for a pistol 6 in. wide, edged at top with braided ribbon; central panel edged with silver or gold thread fringe; central embroidered emblem of three feathers and a stylized crown (abraded and frayed); backing removed to show the hand-stitched, shaped form of the pistol housing. Neatly mounted for display, with glazed panel on back.
"IN THE NEWEST TASTE AND HANDSOME." AN UNUSUAL ARTIFACT WITH A WASHINGTON FAMILY PROVENANCE. On horseback, an armed horseman carried a pistol on each side, in special holsters attached with straps to the horse or to the saddle itself. The present artifact comprises one side only of a double holster. Its front panel is ornamented with the "three feathers and a crown" emblem associated with the Prince of Wales. The use of an article so decorated strongly suggests that the holster was acquired and used prior to 1775-76, when its royal symbolism would have been politically charged.
Perhaps this holster is that noted in the 1810 inventory of the contents of Mount Vernon (Eugene E. Prussing, The Estate of George Washington, Deceased, p.477). Listed by the appraisers in the study at Mount Vernon is "1 velvet housing for a saddle & holsters trimmed with silver lace," valued at five shillings. According to General Washington's Swords and Campaign Equipment: An Illustrated Catalogue of Military Memorabilia in the Mount Vernon Collection (1948) "references to the purchase and repair of pistols and holsters turn up again and again in the various account books." Some are mentioned in Washington's correspondence. On 3 March 1758, in a letter to Richard Washington discussing various items wanted, he asks for "a Sumpture Saddle [a pack saddle], Bridle &ca. compleat for Furniture; with a sett of Holster Caps and a housing of fine blew Cloth, with a small edging of Silver Embroidery round them" (Writings, 2:167-168). In a detailed order to the merchants Robert Cary and Co., dated 12 August 1771, Washington requests "Holster's, or Covers for a pair of Pistols (about 12 Inches long streight measure, which I have by me) to fit the Saddle order'd in my last,...this to be in the newest Taste and handsome." For his stepson John Parke Custis, he ordered a "Sadle with a handsome pr. of Pistols to Suit" Writings, 3:62-3). Cary's invoice of 3 December 1771 does not specifically list any holsters, but they may have part of a separate shipment. Caroll Cadou describes a pair of holsters with covers, of later vintage, probably for a footman (The George Washington Collection: Fine and Decorative Arts at Mount Vernon (2000), 82 and 280n.) We are grateful to Susan Schoelwer, Curator at Mount Vernon for valuable assistance in cataloguing this lot.
Provenance: George Washington, whose sister, Bettie Washington, married Fielding Lewis (1725-1782) -- Howell Lewis, son of the above (1771-1822), who resided at Mount Vernon after his father's death and managed the estate briefly in 1793. -- Ellen Lewis Steele, daughter of the preceding -- Bettie Steele King, daughter of the preceding (1827-1909) -- The present owner, by descent.
Oval in form, approximately 16 x 18½ in.; central panel of dark red velvet (rubbed, worn, small mends), edged with 3/4 in. ribbon of gold or silver braid; the opening for a pistol 6 in. wide, edged at top with braided ribbon; central panel edged with silver or gold thread fringe; central embroidered emblem of three feathers and a stylized crown (abraded and frayed); backing removed to show the hand-stitched, shaped form of the pistol housing. Neatly mounted for display, with glazed panel on back.
"IN THE NEWEST TASTE AND HANDSOME." AN UNUSUAL ARTIFACT WITH A WASHINGTON FAMILY PROVENANCE. On horseback, an armed horseman carried a pistol on each side, in special holsters attached with straps to the horse or to the saddle itself. The present artifact comprises one side only of a double holster. Its front panel is ornamented with the "three feathers and a crown" emblem associated with the Prince of Wales. The use of an article so decorated strongly suggests that the holster was acquired and used prior to 1775-76, when its royal symbolism would have been politically charged.
Perhaps this holster is that noted in the 1810 inventory of the contents of Mount Vernon (Eugene E. Prussing, The Estate of George Washington, Deceased, p.477). Listed by the appraisers in the study at Mount Vernon is "1 velvet housing for a saddle & holsters trimmed with silver lace," valued at five shillings. According to General Washington's Swords and Campaign Equipment: An Illustrated Catalogue of Military Memorabilia in the Mount Vernon Collection (1948) "references to the purchase and repair of pistols and holsters turn up again and again in the various account books." Some are mentioned in Washington's correspondence. On 3 March 1758, in a letter to Richard Washington discussing various items wanted, he asks for "a Sumpture Saddle [a pack saddle], Bridle &ca. compleat for Furniture; with a sett of Holster Caps and a housing of fine blew Cloth, with a small edging of Silver Embroidery round them" (Writings, 2:167-168). In a detailed order to the merchants Robert Cary and Co., dated 12 August 1771, Washington requests "Holster's, or Covers for a pair of Pistols (about 12 Inches long streight measure, which I have by me) to fit the Saddle order'd in my last,...this to be in the newest Taste and handsome." For his stepson John Parke Custis, he ordered a "Sadle with a handsome pr. of Pistols to Suit" Writings, 3:62-3). Cary's invoice of 3 December 1771 does not specifically list any holsters, but they may have part of a separate shipment. Caroll Cadou describes a pair of holsters with covers, of later vintage, probably for a footman (The George Washington Collection: Fine and Decorative Arts at Mount Vernon (2000), 82 and 280n.) We are grateful to Susan Schoelwer, Curator at Mount Vernon for valuable assistance in cataloguing this lot.
Provenance: George Washington, whose sister, Bettie Washington, married Fielding Lewis (1725-1782) -- Howell Lewis, son of the above (1771-1822), who resided at Mount Vernon after his father's death and managed the estate briefly in 1793. -- Ellen Lewis Steele, daughter of the preceding -- Bettie Steele King, daughter of the preceding (1827-1909) -- The present owner, by descent.