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TRUMPETER ON HORSEBACK" FRAKTUR BY HENRY YOUNG (PE

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"TRUMPETER ON HORSEBACK" FRAKTUR BY HENRY YOUNG (PENNSYLVANIA, 1792-1861).
Watercolor and ink on paper. Birth, baptism, and death certificate for young Commodore Decatur Bellman (son of Cornelius and Sue Bellman) of Hartleytown, Union County, Pennsylvania. Depicting a horse and uniformed rider, with Young's characteristic, blue and red, eight-pointed stars in the corner. Imperfections. 10 1/8"h. 8"w., 11 1/2"h. 9 1/2"w. Ex collection Dr. Richard and Sue Studebaker (Ohio), purchased in 1967 from the Alexander McCook Craighead Collection of military paintings and prints.

Of the thirteen types of Young fraktur, Type 7, the Trumpeter on Horseback, is among the rarest. According to Adams in "The Fraktur Artist Henry Young" (Quarterly of the Pennsylvania German Society, Fall 1977), the horseman is modeled on a cavalry musician of the Northumberland Troops of the War of 1812 era. Given that the Bellmans apparently named their son after Commodore Stephen Decatur, naval hero of the War of 1812, it is no surprise that they chose the uniformed musician for their son's certificate.

It is unusual that this certificate serves as not only the birth and baptismal certificate for young Commodore, but also his death certificate. He died a couple of months after his first birthday of "the Flux", or dysentery.

This example is not recorded in Adams' checklist compiled in 1977.

Condition: Not laid down, expected toning, scattered waterstaining, including on the rider and somewhat affecting text below, marginal chips.

Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by our Conditions of Sale.

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