Auction Item Details
Lot 69
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Lot Number: 69
Description: Important August 22, 1918 Christy Mathewson United States Army appointment as "Captain, Chemical Warfare Service." Historically significant United States Government issued document which appointed "Christopher Mathewson" as "Captain, Chemical Warfare Service" effective August 22, 1918. Despite opposition from his wife Jane, Christy Mathewson had enlisted in the Armed Forces feeling it his duty to serve during World War I. He was appointed a Captain in the newly formed Chemical Warfare Service along with Ty Cobb. It would be a short lived adventure as the armistice which brough about an end to the global conflict was signed on November 11th of the same year. It would still, however, prove to be a fateful period in Mathewson's life. During a training exercise shortly after his arrival in France, he was accidentally exposed to a chemical gas which damaged his lungs and would allow the tuberculosis which eventually killed him to take a firmer hold. Heavy paper stock 8"x10.5" document was mild wrinkling and some other handling wear/toning throughout. There is a small impression from a paperclip which secured an included card reading "Please acknowledge receipt of commission" to the top. Includes Mathewson Collection certificate of provenance: VG-EXEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$10,000)