Description

Block, Gavel: a)Gavel with silver decoration on the head of the gavel. There is a coin inlayed on either end of the coin. with three band wrapped around the head.
b) Gavel made of a dark wood from the phillipines.

03/21/2017 Both gavels were labled as 156, unable to tell what gavel is being described by information given. PMH

Original record said "Gavel brought back from Philippines by Col. Harry Friedrich after the Spanish-American War. A letter that goes with the donation says, "Manila - Island of Luzan Phillippine Islands March the 9th 1899 To Court "Red Wing", No. 980 Red Wing, Minnesota Dear Brothers:- We take the opportunity to send with Bro. Tubesing a token of our loyalty and love to the I.O.F. but especially so toward Court "Red Wing" No. 980. This little token is a Gavel made of wood taken from the Bridge of the Spanish Crusier, "Reina Christina", Admiral Montejo's Flagship which was destroyed and sunk, in Manila Bay outside Cavite on May 15th 1st 1898, by Admiral Dewey's fleet. The inscription: Aug. 13th, 1898 is in commemoration of the"Fall of Manila" in which we all participated. The work may in some places be rought, but we hope you will make allowance for Filipino workmanship. We propose, for the good of the Order, that you have an open meeting at some convenient time and that this Gavel be used them for the first time. All of us are in the best of health with the exception of Bro. Tubesing who is going home on the next transport. We also thank you heartily for the Xmas present ($10) which we surely ought to have done long before this. Hoping that our noble order may prosper we remain yours in L.B. & C.:- Supt. F.H. Erickson, Clerk, Christ A. Bracher, Priv. Fred Padelford, Corp, Fred W. Reichert, Sergt. Carl G. Reckner Members of Court "Red Wing" No. 980 and Co. G -13th Regt. Minn. Vols."