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LOT 3203
Historic Documented Presentation Cased Horstmann U.S. Model 1873 Officer’s Saber and Scabbard Presented to Major George R. Burdick of the California National Guard - The 32 inch, curved blade has etched floral patterns with gilt backgrounds, “Major Geo. F. Burdick” on the right side, “PROVED” on the right ricasso, and “HORSTMANN/PHILADELPHIA” etched on the right above the knight’s helm mark on the ricasso. The gilt brass hilt has floral pattern sand a wire wrapped shagreen grip. The scabbard has a nickel plated body and gilt brass fittings and between the suspension bands is inscribed “PRESENTED TO/MAJOR GEORGE R. BURDICK/ BY HIS OLD COMMND THE CITY GUARD Co. B./1ST REGT. INFTY. N.G.C./FEBRUARY 1891.” It comes in a black wood case with silver plated furniture and a “RAYMOLD & WHITLOCK/39 West 14th. St. N. Y.” retailer
marked ribbon on the lining inside.
The man who received the sword was George
Rice Burdick (1856-1916). The “Biennial
Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of
California, 1891-1892” lists George R. Burdick as
major from Nov. 12, 1890, in the First Infantry
in San Francisco. It further indicates he enlisted
in Co. B, First Infantry, 2nd Brigade, on April 18,
1877, was promoted to sergeant on September
8, 1877, reenlisted on April 19, 1880, became 1st sergeant on November 13, 1880, reenlisted again on April 19, 1883, was honorably discharge one June 7, 1884, elected captain of Company B on October 2, 1885, and reelected captain on November 10, 1887. On February 9, 1891, The Morning Call of San Francisco reported that “Company B (City Guard) has presented Major George R. Burdick with a saber and belt, shoulder knots, aiguillettes, and the other trappings of the field officer with gold leaves, and the Major will command the dress parade this evening in ‘rubber heeled boots,’ says the Colonel. The scabbard has the following inscription: ‘Presented to Major George R. Burdick by his old command, the City Guard (Company B), First Infantry.” The following day, the paper indicated Burdick was in command of the parade “last night for the distribution of service-medals and also the badges earned for marksmanship during the year 1890.” Burdick was one of the medalists for 35 years of service and also earned a rifleman’s marksmanship badge. In 1895, he led a battalion drill during the annual review. He later rose to lieutenant colonel with rank from May 14, 1895. He soon retired, but in 1896 reported to Major General N.T. James to serve as quartermaster on the division staff. Burdick died suddenly of an apparent heart attack while working as the assistant cashier of the Anglo & London Paris National Bank in 1916. He had worked at the bank for 33 years and left behind an estate valued at $30,000. The dress sword and its inscription are also later referenced on April 16, 1920, in the San Francisco Chronicle as one of two swords and other militaria of Burdick’s presented by his brother Colonel E.S. Burdick in a war exhibit at the Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park.
CONDITION: The sword is very fine with crisp etching, mostly bright blade with patches of oxidation/pitting, much of the original gold finish remaining, and general mild wear. The scabbard is also very fine and has 85% plus of the original nickel plating, a distinct inscription, and much of the gilt finish on the fittings. The case is fine, totally original, with very fine lining, mild storage wear, and attractive aged patina on the silver. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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