Brass Snare Drum GAR Post 195 August Willich Cincinnati, Ohio
Item #: AA3250
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This is a late 1800's brass body snare drum from the Grand Army of the Republic August Willich Post 195. This post was located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This GAR Post was chartered on 3 February, 1883 and remained active until 1913. The post was named after Brigadier General August Willich. General Willich was born in Braunsberg, Province of East Prussia, on 19 November, 1810. He served in the Prussian Army as an officer in the 7th Field Artillery Regiment. He resigned from the Prussian Army in 1846 and moved to the United States in 1853, eventually settling in Ohio in 1858. Willich enlisted on 22 April, 1861 as a 50 year old 1st Lieutenant. He was commissioned into the staff of the Ohio 9th Infantry Regiment as a Major on 27 May, 1861. Willich was promoted to Colonel on 22 August, 1861 and took command of the Indiana 32nd Infantry Regiment. Willich was promoted to Brigadier General on 17 July, 1862 and assigned to the US Volunteers General Staff. He was breveted to major General on 21 October, 1865 and finally mustered out of service on 15 January, 1866. After the war he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio and went into the local government, serving as an auditor for Hamilton County. He died in St Marys, Ohio on 22 January, 1878. The drum is complete but is in need of some repair. It measures 7 1/2" tall and 15" in diameter. The top head is tight and has no damage. The bottom head has been repaired at least twice, but it is torn again and needs to be replaced. The wooden counter hoops have a very attractive design painted all the way around in gold, green and red. Etched into the brass body of the drum at the vent is "AUGUST WILLICH/POST NO. 195/ G.A.R." at the vent hole. This old drum still displays well, and with a little work will still sound pretty good. With a little love, it will make a great addition to your Grand Army of the Republic collection.
Shipping Weight:
5 lbs
Item # AA3250
(Sold)
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