Lot 165F THE IRISH BRIGADE #475 / 650

THE IRISH BRIGADE #475 / 650
APPROX. 8" BY 5"
APPROX. 3 LBS
AUTHENTIC FRANCIS BARNUM SCULPTURE
SOLID PEWTER ON WOOD BASE, HIGH QUALITY AMERICAN CRAFTSMAN

Francis J. Barnum’s The Irish Brigade is one of his more historically focused Civil War sculptures and reflects the style that made his work popular with collectors during the 1980s–1990s.

The sculpture portrays Union soldiers of the famous Irish Brigade advancing in combat during the American Civil War. Barnum was known for emphasizing realism and historical authenticity, so details like the uniforms, equipment, facial expressions, flags, and movement of the soldiers were carefully researched and sculpted. His Civil War pieces were designed to feel dramatic and emotional rather than static display figures.

The actual Irish Brigade was one of the most respected fighting units in the Union Army, composed largely of Irish immigrants from New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. They became famous for their bravery and extremely high casualty rates at battles such as Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg.

A lot of the meaning behind Barnum’s sculpture comes from that history:

The advancing pose symbolizes courage and sacrifice.
The clustered soldiers emphasize brotherhood and unit pride.
Irish Brigade imagery is strongly tied to Irish-American identity and immigrant patriotism during the Civil War.
Many Barnum Civil War works aimed to memorialize specific historic moments or legendary units rather than simply depict generic soldiers.

History:
The Irish Brigade was a famous Union Army unit during the American Civil War made up largely of Irish immigrants. It was organized in 1861 by Thomas Francis Meagher and became known for its courage and extremely high casualties in battle.

The brigade fought in major battles including:

Battle of Antietam
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Gettysburg

At Fredericksburg, the brigade became legendary after charging heavily defended Confederate positions at Marye’s Heights and suffering devastating losses.

The unit was known for carrying green Irish flags, strong Irish pride, and fierce battlefield reputation. Their sacrifices helped make the Irish Brigade one of the most respected fighting units of the war and a lasting symbol of Irish-American patriotism.

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Important Notice BIDDING STARS SOON!
Approx $250,000 Collection (Original Purchase price per the family. Purchased for an investment )
STILL PROCESSING SALES LOTS. TOTAL PCS OVER 150 :
FROM THE ESTATE OF MR. & MRS. WILLIAM DOYLE
FRANCIS BARNUM SCULPTURES RARE & LIMITED EDITION / 150 PCS PLUS
CIVIL WAR , OLD WEST , WILDLIFE . All MADE IN AMERICA OF THE FINEST PEWTER AND AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP. ALL SIGNED BY FRANCIS BARNUM