208F

JOHNNY SHILOH #2106/2500

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:10.00 USD Estimated At:NA
JOHNNY SHILOH #2106/2500
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
JOHNNY SHILOH #2106/2500
APPROX. 4" BY 5"
APPROX. 0.64 LBS
AUTHENTIC SCULPTURE BY FRANCIS BARNUM
SOLID PEWTER. WOOD BASE, HIGH QUALITY AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

Historical background: who “Johnny Shiloh” was

The sculpture is inspired by John Lincoln Clem, who became famous as a child soldier during the American Civil War.

Born in 1851 in Ohio
Ran away to join the Union Army at around age 9–10
Served with the 22nd Michigan Infantry
Became known as the “Drummer Boy of Chickamauga”

He earned the nickname “Johnny Shiloh” after stories linked him to the Battle of Shiloh (1862), where a young drummer boy figure became widely romanticized in Civil War memory.

At the Battle of Chickamauga (1863), Clem became famous for reportedly:

carrying a shortened musket,
fighting after his drum was destroyed,
and showing bravery under fire.

He was promoted to sergeant at a very young age, making him one of the youngest non-commissioned officers in U.S. history.

What the sculpture represents

Francis Barnum’s “Johnny Shiloh” sculpture focuses on the youthful soldier experience during the Civil War. It typically depicts:

a young drummer boy or soldier
wearing Union uniform
symbolizing courage and innocence
representing the emotional cost of war on children

Unlike Barnum’s battlefield-heavy works like Devil’s Den or Saving the Colors, this piece is more emotional and personal, focusing on individual sacrifice.

Historical meaning

The real Johnny Clem represents several important Civil War themes:

children participated directly in the war (as musicians, messengers, and sometimes combat roles)
drummer boys were essential for communication in battle
young soldiers often faced adult combat conditions
wartime heroism was sometimes idealized in post-war storytelling

Clem later continued his military career, eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general before retiring in 1915.

Why Barnum made this sculpture

Francis Barnum is known for Civil War sculptures that focus on:

emotional storytelling
historical figures and symbols
moments of bravery and sacrifice

“Johnny Shiloh” fits into his work by highlighting:

innocence in war
youthful courage
the human side of Civil War history

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