FINE SILVER ELECTROTYPE GREAT SEAL OF THE

CONFEDERACY OF COLONEL BLEDSOE DESHA HARMAN. Electrotype measures about 4" in diameter mounted in Moroccan veneered hinged casing with velvet lining with raised gilded bezel with glass lens. These electrotype copies were made in 1873 from the original 1864 Great Seal of the Confederacy. The maker of the electrotype copy is the maker of the original Great Seal JA & AB Wyon, London. These seals were sold for the benefit of Confederate widows and orphans and were originally ordered by John T. Pickett, who during the war was a Confederate diplomat and spy. These seals were advertised, manufactured in bronze, silver, and gold with premium prices on the plated examples. Colonel Bledsoe Desha Harman (1828-1882) was a Confederate Colonel and politician. The casing has an inked tag with his name along with a 2" oval painted miniature along with a tied section of his blonde hair wrapped in newspaper. CONDITION: the seal is excellent with exceptional detail with light peripheral iridescent toning. Casing is very good internally, with functional latch. Moroccan veneer is scuffed with several chips. Miniature painting is good. (02-27778/JS). NON-GUN. $3,000-5,000.