Lot 206F DEVILS DEN #58/2500

DEVILS DEN #58/2500
APPROX. 6" BY 5"
APPROX. 1.92 LBS
AUTHENTIC SCULPTURE BY FRANCIS BARNUM
SOLID PEWTER. WOOD BASE, HIGH QUALITY AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

The sculpture “Devil’s Den” by Francis Barnum is a limited-edition Civil War collectible sculpture that is based on one of the most famous and intense combat locations from the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863).

Historical background of Devil’s Den

The real Devil’s Den is a large, rugged rock formation located on the Gettysburg battlefield in Pennsylvania. During the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863), it became the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the entire Civil War.

Key events there included:

Confederate forces attempting to outflank Union positions on Little Round Top
intense close-range fighting among the boulders and rocky terrain
sharpshooters using the rocks for cover
Union troops desperately holding strategic ground nearby

The area was part of the larger struggle for control of the Union left flank, which also included Little Round Top.

Devil’s Den became infamous because:

the terrain was extremely chaotic and difficult to fight in
soldiers used large boulders for cover and concealment
visibility was poor, leading to confusion and brutal close combat
it was one of the bloodiest parts of Gettysburg
What Barnum’s sculpture represents

Francis Barnum’s “Devil’s Den” sculpture is not a literal map of the battlefield, but a dramatic artistic interpretation of that fight. It typically emphasizes:

soldiers engaged in close combat among rocks
Union and Confederate troops clashing at short range
the chaos and confusion of rocky terrain warfare
the intensity of the Gettysburg fighting environment

Instead of focusing on generals or strategic movements, it highlights the physical struggle of infantry combat in extreme terrain.

Historical meaning

The real Devil’s Den fight represents several key Civil War themes:

the importance of terrain in battle
the brutal nature of close-quarters fighting
the high cost of holding strategic positions
the turning point nature of Gettysburg

Control of areas like Devil’s Den helped determine the outcome of the larger battle, which ultimately became a major Union victory and a turning point in the Civil War.

Why it is significant in Barnum’s work

This sculpture fits into Francis Barnum’s style because it:

focuses on dramatic battlefield action
emphasizes realism and movement
highlights famous Civil War locations
captures emotional intensity rather than just historical facts

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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