December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
John Augustus Sutter is perhaps one of the most noteworthy American pioneers of the state of California and the Gold Rush era. Sutter was a Swiss adventurer and businessman who arrived in California in 1839, where he soon became the most important landowner in the area. By 1848 he employed several thousand people in his various business ventures and quickly rose to prominence, as he was one of the most discernable figures in California during the Gold Rush era. After gold was discovered at his sawmill in Coloma, his workforce rushed to the gold fields and his business empire collapsed as gold seekers from all over the world attempted to capitalize on the abundances of his land. Unfortunately, Sutter lost most of his property in lawsuits and only retained a ranch near Marysville. Despite his setbacks, he was given the rank of Major-General in the California Militia and the unit was named the “Sutter Rifles” in his honor. This Ames model 1840 knight head militia officer’s sword was presented to John Sutter as a token of esteem during his time as their leader. The scabbard is engraved between the mounts "Presented to Major General John A. Sutter / by Captn / A. Andrews / Sacramento City 1853." An article in the "Sacramento Daily Union" reported on the ceremony and recorded some significant remarks: "In consideration of your early services to the State of California, I have deemed it not inappropriate to prepare this sword as a present to you. A tribute so trifling in itself can be regarded only as an expression of the esteem which, in common with my fellow citizens. I entertain of your personal kindness and self-sacrifice for the good of the State. You are honored and esteemed by not only those who have known you, but whatever your reputation has extended; and I would have you accept the sword in proof of the fact that virtue in the distinguished citizen is not always unappreciated and that private worth can have no better meed than in the affections of grateful people." These words were recorded in correspondence between Captain Abraham Andrews and John Sutter. Captain, later Colonel, Abraham Andrews presented Sutter with this sword. He was born in London in 1826, and his family emigrated to New Orleans in 1838. Andrews was very skilled with his hands and was apprenticed to a jeweler. At the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, he enlisted in the 2nd Ohio Volunteers as a lieutenant and was later promoted to Captain. Mustered out in 1848, he went west to California where he founded the jewelry business "Hiller and Andrews" in Sacramento. Promoted to colonel in the California Militia, he served on Sutter's staff as aide-de-camp. Later moving to San Francisco, Andrews had a long and successful career there and built the famous Diamond Palace jewelry store at 50 Kearney St. It is likely that the presentation on the sword was engraved by Andrews’ firm of Hiller and Andrews, and he may have executed the engraving himself. The sword is beautiful and features a double-edged blade embellished by foliate scrolls, trophies, a Federal eagle, the words "E Pluribus Unum", and other patriotic motifs. Ricasso is etched with Ames maker mark and address. Prominent double bulbed cross quillon with thick double chain knuckle bow that leads to a knight head pommel. The hilt features attractive mother-of-pearl grip scales, which were much favored by militia officers and California knife makers. The sword is of course housed in its scabbard that is also marked by Ames on the reverse side. Sword and scabbard are both in excellent condition, with most of the gilt finish intact. The scabbard and hilt exhibit scattered scratches and handling marks. There is 1 small crack in each of the grip scales at the backstrap toward the pommel, as well as a chip on the obverse scale under the guard. The blade remains bright with brilliant etching and beautiful frosted background. There is slight oxidation toward the ricasso. This sword is perhaps one of the most fascinating early California relics and received tremendous interest when sold for $172,000 in 2008 while offered with the same estimate. The sword is accompanied by its previous auction descriptions along with a copy of the newspaper article that documented the presentation of this sword. CONDITION: Very good.
Item Dimensions: L: 38"
Paperwork
Research, past auction descriptions.