BRONZE BUST OF FIRST U.S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDANT SAMUEL NICHOLAS, 1776.

BRONZE BUST OF FIRST U.S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDANT SAMUEL NICHOLAS, 1776. This Clarence Runtsch sculpture was originally commissioned by the National Museum of the USMC in Washington, DC. Only two copies of this bronze were made; one being in the Marine Corps Museum and presented in 1993 at their annual celebration of the founding of the Corps and this copy owned by Mr. Runtsch. This sculpture measures about 20-1/2″ high on an 11″x9″x4-1/2″ base. Sculpture and base weigh just over 85 lbs. Samuel Nicholas (1744-1790) was the first commissioned officer of the U.S. Continental Marines (now the United States Marine Corps)and by tradition, is considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. Nicholas was commissioned November 5, 1775, a “Captain of Marines”, by the Second Continental Congress. The first Marine action took place early in 1776 when Nicholas landed his 250 marines and sailors at New Providence in the Bahamas. This led to the capture of Nassau, March 3, 1776. Three ships in the U.S. Navy have been named USS Nicholas in his honor. On November 10th of each year, the date celebrated as the Marine Corps birthday, Nicholas’ grave in Philadelphia is marked with a wreath at dawn by a group of marines. CONDITION: Bronze and base are fine as can be seen in photos. 8-76311 JS59 (2,000-3,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2468	$2,587.50	BRONZE BUST OF FIRST U.S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDANT SAMUEL NICHOLAS, 1776. This Clarence Runtsch sculpture was originally commissioned by the National Museum of the USMC in Washington, DC. Only two copies of this bronze were made; one being in the Marine Corps Museum and presented in 1993 at their annual celebration of the founding of the Corps and this copy owned by Mr. Runtsch. This sculpture measures about 20-1/2″ high on an 11″x9″x4-1/2″ base. Sculpture and base weigh just over 85 lbs. Samuel Nicholas (1744-1790) was the first commissioned officer of the U.S. Continental Marines (now the United States Marine Corps)and by tradition, is considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. Nicholas was commissioned November 5, 1775, a “Captain of Marines”, by the Second Continental Congress. The first Marine action took place early in 1776 when Nicholas landed his 250 marines and sailors at New Providence in the Bahamas. This led to the capture of Nassau, March 3, 1776. Three ships in the U.S. Navy have been named USS Nicholas in his honor. On November 10th of each year, the date celebrated as the Marine Corps birthday, Nicholas’ grave in Philadelphia is marked with a wreath at dawn by a group of marines. CONDITION: Bronze and base are fine as can be seen in photos. 8-76311 JS59 (2,000-3,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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