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LOT 3089
Historic High Grade Presentation W.H. Horstmann & Sons U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword and Scabbard Inscribed to Captain John Craig from the Employees of the Schuylkill Arsenal - This is a very high grade W.H. Horstmann & Sons sword with exceptional details throughout. The 30 1/2 inch long Damascus blade has broad and narrow fullers, a
flat spine with gilded etched floral patterns, etched classical martial and
patriotic designs highlighted in gold on both sides of the blade “W.H. HORSTMANN/& SONS/PHILADELPHIA” above the right ricasso which has the king’s head trademark, and red washer. The gilt brass hilt has floral and classical martial patterns on both sides of the guard and is fitted with a silver grip with floral scroll engraving and an escutcheon on the right inscribed “Capt./John Craig/U.S.A.” The scabbard is bound in shagreen and has gilt bronze fittings with inset silver medallions inscribed with an eagle and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the top, Columbia on the lower band, and Justice on the drag. The reverse of the upper band is inscribed “Presented by the/Employees of the Schuylkill Arsenal/To Capt: John Craig/M.S.K./March./1868.” The presentation of the sword is recorded in “The Philadelphia Inquirer” on March 30, 1868. The article states: “THE FIRE DEPARTMENT - On Saturday afternoon, a sword was presented to Major John Craig an old member of the Washington Engine Company, by the employees of the Schuylkill Arsenal. The Major has occupied the position of Storekeeper to the satisfaction of all with whom he has had business connections. This honor was bestowed upon the above named gentleman previous to his departure for Vancouver’s Island, to which he has been assigned to duty.” John Craig was a captain in the U.S. Quartermaster Department for the Volunteers during the Civil War from May 20, 1863, through May 17, 1865. On January 1, 1865, he was assigned as a Military Store Keeper (M.S.K.) in the regular U.S. Army’s Quartermaster Department and was promoted to captain in the regular army on July 28, 1866. He received a brevet to major of volunteers on March
13, 1865 for his service and was honorably discharged on December 31, 1870. He was listed as the
acting assistant quartermaster at New San Diego in California when he was discharged. In documents
from the Reconstruction era, Capt. Craig is listed as in charge of the clothing depot at Schuylkill and
submitted reports on the arsenal’s condition and its repair needs.
CONDITION: Very good overall with mild age and storage related wear, bright original gold, crisp
etching, distinct Damascus patterns, and minor spots of oxidation on the blade; mix of bright original
gilt finish and aged patina on the hilt, aged patina and distinct engraving and inscription on the grip,
strong gilt finish in the recesses and protected areas of the scabbard fittings and otherwise a dark
aged patina, aged patina and crisp engraving on the silver medallions, mild wear on the body, and
distinct inscription from the Schuylkill Arsenal to Captain John Craig.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3090
Cased Late 19th Century F.G. Otto & Sons Surgeon’s Amputating and Trephining Set - This desirable set was retailed by F.G. Otto & Sons of c. 1875-1898, in either New York or New Jersey. The firm operated from 64 Chatham Street in New York from 1875 into the 1880s before expanding their business with a move to Jersey City, where they operated under the same name until at least 1914. Many of the instruments in this set bear the “OTTO&SONS” mark. A copy of the firms catalogue is held in the National Library of Medicine and appears to list this particular set as their “Amputating and Trephining Case” with a price of $44 including the “mahogany case with velvet lining”. This set is listed as including the instruments of their “Plain Amputation Case” along with some additional items. Most of the instruments in this set have matching checkered ebony grips. The set includes all of the typical tools found in a surgeon’s amputation set from the period including a capital saw, smaller bone/ metacarpal saw, large and medium amputating knives, a small catlin, scalpel, tourniquet, trephine, trephine brush, Hey’s skull saw, and more. All of the items are contained in the included mahogany case that has a fitted interior lined with plum velvet.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, the metal of the instruments generally bright with some showing a light speckling of oxidation/patina and the grips generally showing very minimal wear. The case is very good with minimal handling/storage wear and some of the interior lining showing moderate fading to a grey/tan. An attractive and incredibly complete late 19th century surgeon’s kit!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
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