An exceptional grouping of relics and documents relating to the Civil War service of Ezekiel P. Darling, including the bullet that wounded him and the objects he fashioned during his convalescence.

Darling first mustered into Company G, 125th Illinois Infantry, on 11 August 1862. His service was cut short when he suffered a leg wound, leading to his discharge on 16 February 1863. While recovering, he is said to have carved many of the items preserved in this grouping. Once restored to health, Darling returned to the field, re-enlisting in Company F, 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, on 20 October 1864, and later transferring to the 44th Indiana Volunteer Infantry on 1 July 1865.

A note of provenance that accompanies this lot reads: "Chains, etc, whittled by Ezekiel P. Darling (Pa Darling) Also made this box. Civil War 20 Oct 1864-15 Sep 1865. Musket ball on chain was taken from his leg following combat action. Whittling done while in hospital recovering from wound."

Held in 9 x 5 1/2 x 5 1/4 in. box with brass hardware and twisting key, the relics in the grouping include:

1. Thirty (30) Union brass eagle buttons.

2. Nine (9) linked chain hand carved art pieces.

3. One (1) pinecone.

4. One (1) Musket ball on 11 1/2 in. chain, attributed to the bullet which wounded Darling in action. 

5. One (1) 1 in. basket carved out of a walnut shell.

6. One (1) 46 in. linked chain with carved letters reading: "EPANDMEDABLINO."

7. One (1) 45 1/2 in. linked chain with balls.

And the documents include: 

1. Partly printed document completed in type and manuscript. Signed by Frank L. Bridger. Indianapolis, Indiana, 25 November 1914. 1 page, 11 x 8 1/2 in. Executive Department, Indiana lithograph letterhead. 

An official record from the Adjutant General's Office of the Executive Department in Indian certifying the recruitment record of Ezekiel P. Darling into Company F of the 72nd Indiana Volunteer Regiment on 20 October 1864. Notes that Darling transferred into Company D of the 44th Volunteer Regiment on 20 October 1864. While this record states is enlistment with the 44th Indiana Volunteer Regiment in October, he actually transferred to this regiment on 1 July 1865. 

2. Partly printed document completed in manuscript. Signed by M. Mundy. [Illinois], 16 February 1863. Lithograph letterhead featuring printed "To All Whom It May Concern" and bald eagle clutching an American flag and a "United States of America" printed streamer. Official print and completed manuscript to verso. 

An official discharge paper signed to the order of Ezekiel Darling, noting an official release of duty based upon reasons of a surgeon's certificate of disability. At the time of this document, it lists Darling as serving in the G Company of the 125th Regiment of Illinois. 

3. Partly printed document completed in manuscript. Signed by John J. Mudd. Nashville, Tennessee, 14 September 1865. Lithograph letterhead featuring printed "To All Whom It May Concern" and bald eagle clutching an American flag with a bundle of arrows. Lafayette railway stamp to verso.

An official discharge paper signed to the order of Ezekiel Darling, noting an official release of duty from Company D of the 44th Indiana Volunteer Regiment. 

[Art, Folk Art, Military Art, Etching, Engraving, Lithographs, Prints, Ephemera] [Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges] [Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]