Sculptor Caspar Buberl, 1834-1899

Caspar Buberl 1834 - 1899. Image from the Once a Week publication May 26, 1894.

"He has put up more soldier monuments than any other man who ever lived....his public commissions have been so numerous that one marvels how he has had time to fill them." So wrote  L. Vital Bogy in Once a Week ​magazine published in May, 1894. A section of this paper titled American Sculptor  featured several sculptors including Buberl.
Born in Bohemia, Buberl studied art in Prague and Vienna. In 1854 he would immigrate to the United States and continue his education under sculptor Robert Launitz. Buberl would eventually open his own studio located at 500 East 140th Street in New York. Credited with many works throughout the United States, Buberl would also put his hands to work at the request of New York veterans that fought at Gettysburg. Although Buberl would create many memorials and bronze reliefs at Gettysburg only a few of his works are signed. 
 Below are just a few examples of Buberl's bronze statues and reliefs found at Gettysburg.

4th New York Independent Battery. Commanded by Captain James E. Smith. Located on Houck's Ridge above the Devils Den.

A vintage c1890's view of the 4th New York Battery Monument.

Incised on the monuments base is C. Buberl Sc. The date appears to be 1880 although the monument was dedicated in 1888. There is an identical example of the bronze artilleryman holding a rammer in Manchester, New Hampshire dedicated in 1879. Perhaps the Gettysburg statue was a recast of an earlier piece.

​Monument Location Alert!
There is some dispute that the monument does not accurately mark the location of Captain's Smith's 4, 10 pound rifled Parrots. In an 1888 visit to the location of the monument General Henry Hunt and Smith were discussing the battle. While the two were standing on a large boulder Hunt would comment to Smith "If you had placed your pieces down where the monument stands, I would have arrested you for incompetency." ** Its only an assumption but the guns were more than likely located on the crest to the west. **Devil's Den A History and Guide Adelman and Smith

41st New York Infantry Monument dedicated 1893.

Bronze relief created by Buberl (unsigned) located on the front of the 41st New York infantry Monument.

The letters "RdK" appear on the canteen. See Monument Question for details.

Close up view of the initials "RdK."

Monument Question!  If one looks carefully at the canteen located at the base of the relief the letters "RdK" can be seen. The 41st NY Infantry was known at the "DeKalb Regiment." This regiment was named in honor of Revolutionary War Hero Johann von Robais, Baron de Kalb. The letters on the canteen may honor "Regiment de Kalb" or "Robais de Kalb." its your guess.

126th New York infantry Monument dedicated 1888. Buberl would sculpt the bronze relief on the front of the monument of Colonel Eliakim Sherrill.

Bronze relief of Colonel Sherrill created by Buberl (unsigned). Colonel Sherrill would assume command of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps on July 3rd after the death of Colonel George Willard. During the fighting on July 3, 1863, Sherrill would be mortally wounded by a musket ball that struck him in the bowels. Sherrill would die on Saturday July 4, approximately 11:00 A.M. in the Spangler house at the the XI Corps Hospital located at the Spangler farm.

Vintage postcard of the 126th NY Infantry Monument located in Ziegler's Grove.

It was noted in the 126th New York Infantry monument dedication booklet that the "portrait of Col. Sherrill was modeled by C. Buberle, sculptor, of New York and cast in bronze by the Henry Bonnard Bronze Company of he city of New York."

126th New York Infantry monument dedication booklet. This booklet was original owned by the daughter of Col. Sherrill.

Title page of the 126th New York Infantry monument dedication booklet. The image of Buberl's "Sherrill" is shown.

​Caspar Buberl's largest memorial at Gettysburg, the New York State Memorial.

Caspar Buberl's largest work at Gettysburg. The New York State Memorial dedicated 1893.

Atop the New York State Memorial is a figure holding a wreath over the graves of the New York Soldiers buried in the National Cemetery. In her left hand she holds a wreath, a staff topped by a Liberty Cap. Excelsior, as seen on the bronze relief of flags is a Latin motto meaning " Ever upward."

Circular bronze reliefs surround the lower shaft. This magnificent circular relief depicts four occurrences during the battle of Gettysburg. Wounding of General Hancock is shown above.

Detailed circular reliefs. Top Left: Death of General John Reynolds July 1st. Top Right: Wounding of General Daniel Sickles July, 2. Third Group: General Henry Slocum and staff. Fourth Group: Wounding of General Hancock, July 3.

Dedication Day of the New York State Memorial, July 2nd, 1893. This albumen photo shows the speakers platform in front of the monument on a very sunny July day.