Lot 4335A

CHARLES A VARNUM, SURVIVOR OF LITTLE BIG HORN &

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CHARLES A VARNUM, SURVIVOR OF LITTLE BIG HORN &

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,000

(0 Bids)

by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
August 8, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
199 Skowhegan Road
Fairfield, ME, US 04937

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT'S 7TH CAVALRY CHEST. This is a wonderful relic of a survivor of Battle of Little Bighorn and Medal of Honor recipient Charles A. Varnum. Trunk was found in local estate in Maine where Varnum taught at University of Maine after his military career. The heavy iron banded wood military chest 27.5" square and 25" high, hinged for two padlock closures. It is stenciled or has painted inscriptions on every side. The front side is nicely painted with shaded blue and white lettering: "Lt. CA Varnum / RQM 7th CAV". Two other sides are stenciled "Lt. Col. C A Varnum", one with "4th Cav Fort Snelling, Minn." The other side says "ORONO / MAINE" where he was professor of Military Science at University of Maine late in his career. Charles Albert Varnum (1849-1936) graduated from West Point in 1872 and was assigned to Custer's 7th US Cavalry as Lieutenant. During Battle of Little Bighorn, Varnum commanded Indian Scouts who found the large Indian camp that Custer would ignore warning and met his demise. Varnum stayed with Reno's command and survived. After the battle he served as Regimental Quartermaster from 1876-1879 which represents the original date of this trunk. He continued to use long after as he did not receive rank of Lt. Colonel till 1905 while at Ft. Snelling, MN with 4th US Cavalry. He would retire in 1907 and become professor of Military Science at University of Maine in Orono where his trunk was last shipped and obviously stayed. Varnum was recalled to active service in WW1 as finance officer stationed at Ft. Mason, CA. CONDITION: one hinge broken, bottom is missing one of 3 boards. Erosion, wear, water damage on bottom from storage in outbuilding we were told. Painted front is very legible, other 3 sides are hard to decipher and more writing on them too. (02-27262/JS). $2,000-3,000

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6/17/26

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000