Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Share #1 Posted September 4, 2015 This walked into the Dulles VA gun show a few months back. An extended relative of his brought it in looking to sell it. She told the dealer who bought it that it was made while he was in France or Germany. It appears to be made of brass base with copper lip and feet. The engraving on this is beyond incredible. My photos don't do it justice. The detail is so minute... the mountain ranges on the continents the details of the feather... the campaigns are even engraved around the Indian Head flag. One talon sports the flag of a two star general and the other the 2nd Div. Only one Marine fit that description. The photo below gives an idea of size compared to the bell crown in the cabinet behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted September 4, 2015 closer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted September 4, 2015 detail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted September 4, 2015 more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted September 4, 2015 Close up of general flag... Look at the fine detail on the flag. The rays inside the generals stars.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted September 4, 2015 detail of the 2nd Div flag. My photography skills (and camera) can't do it justice but if you look closely you can make out the campaign names around the rays of the star inside the flag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted September 4, 2015 Close up of the eagle. Look at the detailing in the feathers... True old world craftsmanship. I wonder how long this took to make. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted September 4, 2015 The reverse with the ball feet, I believe these are made of copper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted September 4, 2015 Finally the man himself wearing a 2nd Div HQ SSI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtdorango Posted September 4, 2015 Share #10 Posted September 4, 2015 Thats amazing craftsmanship.....how big is that?.....mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted September 4, 2015 Share #11 Posted September 4, 2015 Now there's a fantastic piece! The engraving is absolutely stunning. I saw a General's license plate on eBay attributed to Lejeune (no real provenance), but this is much, much nicer. I love these kinds of pieces attributable to personalities in the Corps...particularly to legends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 4, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted September 4, 2015 Thats amazing craftsmanship.....how big is that?.....mike Hey Mike. Not sure the exact size but in the first photo you can see one of my bell crowns in the case behind which gives a rough idea of size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViewfinderGyrene Posted September 4, 2015 Share #13 Posted September 4, 2015 Incredible find Duke! As others have said the engraving is exquisite... VFG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zotig111 Posted September 4, 2015 Share #14 Posted September 4, 2015 Now that is an incredible find! You just don't see that kind of craftsmanship today and you would think that all of our technology would make it fast, simple, and cheap. It is true that these kinds of collectibles do find their way to the right places. Great pick up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warguy Posted September 4, 2015 Share #15 Posted September 4, 2015 Duke, really cool piece. I have never seen anything like it. Should have your wife serve you crumpets on it on the Marine Corps birthday coming up. Then again wouldn't want a dent in the circumference of your head in it. Again, I think this is a real special piece. Congratulations........again. You must have a key to the basement of the Marine Corps museum. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchbuff Posted September 4, 2015 Share #16 Posted September 4, 2015 Awesome piece D. Enjoyed seeing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfryman Posted September 4, 2015 Share #17 Posted September 4, 2015 Wow! Things like this don't just walk into the shows I go to! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted September 5, 2015 Share #18 Posted September 5, 2015 BRILLIANT Duke. Congrats on a super one-of-kind piece. Semper Fi.......Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Queen Posted September 5, 2015 Share #19 Posted September 5, 2015 Stunning. Incredible workmanship. Was the person who bought it smart enough to get her name/contact information? It would be great to be able to get a signed letter to document the provenance and who knows, she might have more (or know where more is) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 5, 2015 Author Share #20 Posted September 5, 2015 Stunning. Incredible workmanship. Was the person who bought it smart enough to get her name/contact information? It would be great to be able to get a signed letter to document the provenance and who knows, she might have more (or know where more is) Hey Eric, The "paul harvey rest of the story' goes like this... the female relative of Gen Lejeune walked into the Dulles Gun show with it. A dealer friend of mine saw the EGA on the platter as it passed him. He was about to ask her what it was when the dealer across the aisle beat him to it. My friend didn't think much of it but saw the other dealer buy it. He went over after to see what it was and the dealer (who is not a militaria guy but a old gun dealer) told him that some "Marine General named Lejeune" had it made in WW1 in France or Germany. This was according to the seller/relative. My dealer friend asked if he knew who Lejeune was, to which he replied "no idea' but bought it for the SCRAP VALUE. My friend knowing I collect WW1 USMC items came and found me in the show and brought me over. By that time, the lady who bought it in had left, and the buyer got no contact information. By the time I got to the table several of the USMC collectors were already there and the buyer now realized he had something special on this hands. He was then hesitant to sell it but I was finally able to secure it. But it cost me quite a bit. That said, I also figured, when will I see another? Thanks to all for the nice comments... I often wonder if perhaps there were matching cups that were used to serve the drinks on it... Ive halfway considered taking it to the USMC museum to see if they have any interest it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted September 5, 2015 Share #21 Posted September 5, 2015 Ive halfway considered taking it to the USMC museum to see if they have any interest it. If anything, I'd wait until the museum is done with their construction project and enjoy it in your collection until then, as they have many items in limbo in storage, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Queen Posted September 5, 2015 Share #22 Posted September 5, 2015 I think I would rather burn something that ever let a museum have it but that's my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted September 5, 2015 Author Share #23 Posted September 5, 2015 I think I would rather burn something that ever let a museum have it but that's my opinion. Well, I know that better than most. I was the Cpl of the Guard for the USMC Air-Ground Museum in 1994. I can tell you some stories that will turn your stomach... I guess I was thinking that because it was Lejeunes it might be better on display. But you're probably right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted September 5, 2015 Share #24 Posted September 5, 2015 I think I would rather burn something that ever let a museum have it but that's my opinion. From what I've gathered, the Marine Corps Museum's storage facility is quite responsible with the materials it utilizes, and the temperature and humidity control measures they've emplaced while they finish their construction endeavors. In their case, I think they might be better than your average museum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted September 5, 2015 Share #25 Posted September 5, 2015 Duke, The engraving is absolutely beautiful. A really amazing and historic item...congratulations and thanks for sharing the images! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now