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LOT 86
Attractive and Highly Desirable
Irvine & Jachens of San
Francisco Maker’s Marked
Sterling Silver U.S. Deputy
Marshal Badge - Manufactured in
the early 20th century by Irvine &
Jachens of San Francisco, California,
this is an very fine example of
a badge for the legendary U.S.
Marshals. Formed in 1789, the
U.S. Marshals Service played a
pivotal roll in enforcement of the
law during the settlement of the
American West in the late 19th
century. Marshals were often the
only form of the law enforcement
in frontier areas that had no
organized government. Irvine &
Jachens began operations under
that name in 1910 and remain in
operation today, providing high
quality medals, badges, and seals
for essentially all of their existence.
This example is no exception,
showing a very attractive, refined
simplicity that makes it an iconic symbol of law enforcement. The badge is a shield shape with an American eagle perched on top and
light floral engraving on the shield. The shield is marked “DEPUT/U.S./MARSHAL” in blue enameled and lightly engraved letters. The
sterling silver and maker’s marks are stamped on the back side along with a small collection mark. The whole badge is sterling silver
plated and is fitted with a German silver pin on the back.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining almost all of the original blue enamel on the lettering and very attractively aged patina on the
silver overall with some scattered light handling marks typical of use in the line of duty. A very attractive U.S. Marshal badge that would
be a fantastic addition to any collection of the American West!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 85
Ten Gold Nuggets - Remaining incredibly desirable to this day, it was glittering
gold nuggets such as these that struck so many Americans and people from around
the world with “gold fever” during the course of the 19th century. The discovery of
gold in the American West was one of many factors that drove people into the perils
of the wild frontier, leading to the settlement of western regions such as California,
and the establishment of towns such as San Francisco. Though there were certainly
many that headed west and struck it rich panning or digging for gold, there were
far more who failed, and plenty that lost their lives to the dangers of the frontier.
San Francisco played a pivotal roll in the California gold rush, transforming rapidly
from a quiet California town into a boomtown full of prospectors flooding into its
port in search of nuggets just like these, permanently transforming it into a regional
hub. Per the consignor, the nuggets in the grouping are from California. They have
an approximate gross weight of three ounces. Sizes range from 1 1/4 inches wide to
1/5th inch wide. Exact purity unknown.
CONDITION: Fine.
Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,500
LOT 84
Rare and Highly Desirable J.D. Chevalier “California Knife” Marked Bowie Knife, with
Sheath - Active c.1835-1869 in New York City, John D. Chevalier was a maker of surgical
implements and cutlery, credited with being the first East Coast cutler to exploit the rush
to California as a marketing tool. Measuring 14 inches overall, with an 8 inch clip point
blade, which is marked “CHEVALIER’S CALIFORNIA KNIFE/J.D. CHEVALIER/NEW YORK” and
“BROADWAY” on the left side. A thick, oval brass guard, with brass fittings on both ends of the
stag grip. Includes the original tan leather sheath with silver plated copper fittings.
CONDITION: Very good overall showing moderate period usage. The blade shows a few areas
of shallow dark spots of pitting and scratches, along with sharpening. The guard is a bit loose,
but the attractively aged fine grip is secure on the tang. The sheath is fine, with some scuffing
and scratching of the leather, and a mixed patina on the silver. This bowie knife will make a fine
addition to your antique American arms collection!
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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