Skeletal remains of a 7th CAVALRY HORSE killed in action by hostile fire at the Battle of Little Bighorn and excavated at the battle site, belonging to General George Custer’s blacksmith, Pvt. John Sivertsen. The sun-bleached bones were found partially exposed along Marcus Reno’s retreat route and led to an archaeological excavation which yielded a rich treasure trove of artifacts from the horse’s saddlebag identified as having been owned by Private Sivertsen.
A poignant reminder of the brutality of the battle, “THE SIVERTSEN HORSE” is among the most well-documented casualties of the legendary “Custer’s Last Stand”. Sivertsen, a private in the 7th Cavalry somehow survived the massacre, but his horse was less fortunate, suffering a bullet to the head that eventually brought the beast down while attempting to retreat. Killed in action by Indian hostile fire, the horse remained undisturbed from the day it fell until its excavation in 1999. The skull was subsequently recovered, along with the bullet still inside the head.
The Sivertsen Horse bones were discovered on the private property of Jason Pitsch,President and owner of the RENO BATTLEFIELD MUSEUM, and were a part of the museum’s extensive collection. Pitsch, owner of 30,000 acres of land in the area of Little Big Horn, started collecting and cataloging artifacts recovered from the site, in the process setting up the museum. All artifacts were legally recovered and certified as coming from the site of the Battle of Little Big Horn.
>>>> NOTE: Sivertsen horse skeleton image is shown FOR REFERENCE ONLY, and as provenance for this incredible, original battlefield artifact. THIS AUCTION IS FOR ONE (1) BATTLEFIELD SKELETON ARTIFACT, AS SHOWN. Please ask any questions if you are unclear before purchasing. <<<<
Bone artifact measures approximately 4" x 4" x 5".
Item includes museum-style display and plaque.
Included with the bone artifact are copies of extensive documentation, including a certificate of authenticity from the RENO BATTLEFIELD MUSEUM and owner of the property on which the horse was found; a certificate of authenticity from HERITAGE AUCTIONS, the world’s leading auction house who specializes in Indian Wars collectibles; and a first edition of Glenwood J. Swanson’s definitive G.A. Custer: His Life and Times. Swanson is a well-known Indian Wars historian, collector, and author and the horse’s skeletal remains are referenced and pictured on page 284 in the book.
Own an original, investment-quality artifact of American and Indian Wars history and of the legendary “Custer’s Last Stand”! A truly rare and remarkable gift for the Civil War collector, military enthusiast, or American History buff.
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Own a truly remarkable, original piece of American and Indian Wars history! The perfect gift for the Civil War collector, military enthusiast, or History buff.
Sold as is, as shown.