On May 2, 1861 Private ISAAC MATHEWSON POTTER of SCITUATE, RI was mustered into the "C" Company of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry. Just a short few weeks later on July 21, 1861, under the command of  Colonel AMBROSE BURNSIDE, Private Potter would experience his first (but far from his last) participation in Civil War combat at the first battle of the Civil War at MANASSAS, VIRGINIA. After the celebrated homecoming of the 1st RI Infantry (as their term of service ended on July 28, 1861 and the city of Washington was secure), Private Potter would on February 1, 1862 be commissioned as Lieutenant in the 3rd RI HEAVY ARTILLERY. Later, just two weeks to the day of his commission, on Valentine's Day of 1862, Lieutenant Issac M. Potter received this sword from "His Friends in Providence". This sword is inscribed "Lieut. Issac M. Potter from his friends in Providence, RI. Feb. 14, 1862". Lieutenant Potter would be promoted to Captain, Major and eventually Lt. Colonel in 1865. He would become the Commanding Officer of both the 5TH RI Heavy Artillery (1864) and later the Commanding Officer at Fort Spinola, North Carolina (1865). He came home to his beloved Rhode Island where he would live for the remainder of his years in Providence. Lt. Colonel Isaac Mathewson Potter would die there on the day after Christmas, 1902.

A FINE EXAMPLE of an ORIGINAL 1901 WINCHESTER SIGNAL CANNON. The 10 gauge breach loading cannon is in excellent original working condition and superb original surfaces. Overall 17'' x 6 3/4'' x  7 3/4'' at tallest.

Well articulated carved "Fish and Fowl" wall hanging plaque by the listed Norwalk, CT artist ISAIAH C. WAGNER (born 1876). Signed & Dated "I.C. Wagner Norwalk CT. 1937".  15''t x 22''w.