Fragment of the equestrian statue of King George III

1770-1776

Place madeEngland, Europe

andNew York, New York, United States, North America

Lead

Overall: 1/2 x 7/8 x 1/2 in. ( 1.3 x 2.2 x 1.3 cm )

Purchase

1878.5a

After listening to a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776, Continental soldiers joined with patriotic New Yorkers in Bowling Green to tear down an equestrian statue of King George III. Fragments of the statue were transported to Litchfield, Connecticut and made into bullets for the Revolutionary troops. It is believed that Connecticut Loyalists took some of the fragments and hid them in and around their homes, for pieces such as this have been found buried in the area. This small fragment was returned to the Society in 1999, 100 years after being taken by Alwina Wlodeck during a visit to the Society in the 1890s. When the piece of the saddle was shown to her group, a small piece fell off and was kept by Ms. Wlodeck. It was returned by her great niece.

DescriptionFragment of molded lead statue of George III with traces of gilding.

ClassificationsHISTORIC RELICS