This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2015
Offered for this lot is a very rare piece of architectural salvage. Located in Seymour, WI (Outagamie County), this stain glass window with GAR motif was the focal design point of GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) post 198.
The history of the Wisconsin Grand Army of the Republic is as follows, “The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a voluntary, fraternal association of men who served in the Union Army, Navy, or Marine Corps between the years 1861 and 1865, and were honorably discharged from service. It was the largest organization of Union Civil War veterans and the forerunner of the modern American veteran’s organizations.
Major Benjamin F. Stephenson founded the GAR on April 6, 1866 in Decatur, Illinois when he took the title of department commander and issued the first charter. Wisconsin was the second state to organize a GAR department and its first post was organized in 1866. In all, 280 GAR posts were formed in Wisconsin.”
Each post had a namesake, and our research indicates this was the John Granzo Post 198. Although his name is recorded, very little is known about the man of whom this post bears his name.
Measuring 3’x9’, this all original stain glass window still remains in its original wooden housing, in the exact same condition as when it was removed during the salvage process. A true piece of art and craftsmanship, the fraternal sign of two hands shaking and the GAR logo was created during the stain glass process.
The condition of the glass remains in excellent to near mint condition, with some damage to the outer housing only. A very rare and simply breath taking piece. Due to its size and weight, crating and shipping charges will apply.