26: WWI MILITARY LOT WITH PRES. HARRISON SIGNED LETTER

The estate military collection of Benjamin O'Hara, father of Kansas City artist Jack O'Hara. Included is Benjamin O’Hara’s officer-quality OD worsted wool tunic with Aero Tailoring Company tag. Four pocket front with scalloped flaps, raised collar with gilt US and artillery devices, aluminum bullion on wool base Captain shoulder devices, and enameled 379th Field Artillery distinctive insignia (DIs – Pro Aris et Focis). Named to Benjamin H. O’Hara on inside pocket tag, with “School of Fire Ex” and dated 2/26/18. Mohair cuff braid and double gold ribbon service chevrons just above. Approximate size 34, with typical age and soiling, gilt buttons a bit dull, a couple of moth nips and stains. Plus a World War I Victory medal with St. Mihiel and Defensive Sector bars, on wrap brooch, ribbon showing some wear, and wear to obverse highlights; an extra enamel 379th F.A. DI, matching pair of officer’s 379th F.A. Artillery collar devices, and a matching pair of 342nd Artillery devices. One frosted silver simulated bullion Captain’s shoulder device, two of his WWI dog tags on old chain, his American Legion 3rd Annual Convention name tag medallion, post WWII British and Austrian coins, a sweetheart bracelet naming O’Hara and referring to him as part of the 342nd Artillery. Also a 1-5/8 x 2-1/4 inch (58 x 42mm) Prussian enlisted belt buckle, and regular tunic button, plus other assorted bits. Lot also includes his WWII-era officer’s tan tunic, no insignia, but named to O’Hara on tag and dated 1943. Lot also includes a typed letter signed (TLS) by former President Benjamin Harrison, out of office for five years at this point, written to the young O’Hara on Nov. 21, 1898, on Harrison’s private letterhead with Indianapolis address, 10.5 x 8 inches. Signed in ink, includes original envelope. Letter shows creases from envelope, some toning, and 1 inch tear horizontally from center left. Lot also includes three framed photos of O’Hara, two of the WWI era in cotton tunics, with USR collar devices, and one showing Captain’s bars. Another mid-century image showing son Jack O’Hara (1st Lt. in the Medical Administrative Corp) as an illustrator at his work table.
U.S. Army insignia, medals and other items as shown, measure from .325 to 2.25 inches. Three framed vintage photos measure from 10 x 7.5 to 11.75 x 7.5 inches.
Uniform jackets have mothing and wear, satin linings are fragile.
$200 - $400