Beschreibung:

dating from Foster's tenure as US Ambassador to Mexico 1873-1880. Born in Evansville, Indiana John W. Foster (1836-1917) was an eminent 19th century American statesman and journalist and grandfather of John Foster Dulles and Allen Welsh Dulles, luminaries in the later 20th century political landscape. This exceptional group of material is comprised of Foster's complete, pristine M1872 officer's dress uniform including frock coat, cased military chapeau and trousers along with a fine presentation sword and cane. The military portion highlighted by a fabulous, one-of-kind solid silver Aztec calendar weighing 607 troy ounces given as a token of esteem by the American residents of Mexico City in 1880. Foster's blue wool doubled-breasted frock coat is complete with Russian shoulder-knots having an embroidered silver bullion spread-wing eagle on medium blue velvet background with interlaced gold bullion cords. Colonel's coat with 18 gilt brass eagle "I" buttons in two rows of nine. Gold and silver bullion lace on the cuffs with 6 buttons on both sleeves. Interior body with a mint black silk lining with sleeves finished in a cream colored silk lining. Royal blue trousers with black stripes along the side of each leg. Inside of trousers with red and blue striped silk lining on beige background with beige pocket lining. PLUS, an additional pair of shoulder boards with colonel's insignia. PLUS, US Army M1872 regulation beaver skin dress chapeau de bras having black ostrich feather trim along the crown and black grosgrain rosette underneath an ornate gold bullion band with patriotic eagle and single gold button. Gold bullion coils on fore and aft ends of the hat. Interior with brown leather sweatband with brown silk lining with gilded stamping St. Nicholas Hotel, New York, Warnock & Co. Complete with original black painted Japanned tin hatbox. PLUS, ebony walking cane with gold plated handle. Handle with ornate motifs with renderings of stags, floral ornament and other geometric designs. Inscribed on top Col. John W. Foster from the Republican state ticket Indiana 1872. Base of cane with steel bottom and German silver band. PLUS, a M1850 Staff and Field officer's sword made by Horstmann and Sons of Philadelphia with 31" blade having extra fancy etchings on both sides, US and E. Pluribus Unum. Silver hilt with gold gilt brass guard. Metal scabbard with gilded gold furniture, with floral ornament, with relief images of Athena, and flag bearing soldier on the drag. Scabbard retains original lacquered brown finish. Prior to the Civil War, John Watson Foster obtained a degree from Indiana State University, a rarity in frontier Indiana, and commenced the practice of law before entering service as major of the 25th Indiana in August 1861. The regiment served under Fremont in Missouri and was prominent at Fort Donelson where Foster came to the attention of U.S. Grant. Promoted to lieutenant colonel following Shiloh where the regiment suffered nearly 150 killed and wounded, Foster joined in the advance on Corinth and ended the summer with an appointment as colonel of the newly raised 65th Indiana which was soon mounted for service in Tennessee. Colonel Foster served as acting brigadier and division commander during the dismal Knoxville campaign after which he resigned in March 1864 to take command of the one hundred day 136th Indiana, mustering out in September 1864. Foster's ambitions turned to politics and he became editor of Evansville Daily Journal in 1865 which he used to further the interests of Indiana's Republican Party ultimately leading to the influential state party chairmanship. Foster availed himself to old friend, now President U.S. Grant and commenced what would become the most significant years of his career in diplomatic service abroad. Foster was successively appointed US Minister to Mexico (1873-1880), Russia (1880-1881), and Spain (1883-1885) spanning the administrations of three Presidents, Grant, Hayes and Arthur. Always wit