HIGH GRADE FULL STATUE PRESENTATION SWORD TO GENERAL STEPHEN “BUTCHER” BURBRIDGE.

HIGH GRADE FULL STATUE PRESENTATION SWORD TO GENERAL STEPHEN “BUTCHER” BURBRIDGE. This is a spectacular high quality jeweled sword with a massive 6″ silver statue of Lady Liberty holding a sword wearing a gold “Liberty cap.” Scabbard has presentation from one of his last commands of the Coloured Cavalry Brigade. Burbridge was an excellent officer and general. He had a very distinguished military career, but is best known for his repulse of Confederates into Kentucky led by John Hunt Morgan. One of the largest gravestones in Arlington National Cemetery belongs to him. Burbridge was from Kentucky and was one of the most vocal unionists in this state divided in its loyalties between North and South. After action at Vicksburg and earlier campaigns, Burbridge was given command of the state of Kentucky and had two missions: Conquering the Confederate guerrillas and recruiting Blacks into U.S. service. These actions would serve to make him highly unpopular and the recipient of intense hatred in his native Kentucky. Burbridge struck fear among pro-Confederates in Kentucky by executing by hanging Confederate soldiers, citizens, spies, Confederate sympathizers, and court-martialed soldiers of his own command. He raided guerrilla strongholds and finally smashed John Hunt Morgan. The defeat of Morgan earned Burbridge a brevet to Major General, and he was made war time governor. Burbridge, after the war, had to leave the State of Kentucky, which he loved. He feared for his family’s safety, and he went North never to return finally dying in New York in 1894. A quote from Brian S. Bush “Butcher Burbridge, Union General Stephen Burbridge and His Reign of Terror Over Kentucky” “Burbridge’s military superior, General William T. Sherman told Burbridge to treat guerrillas as “wild animals.” He wrote to Burbridge to gather up men, women, and children, who were rebel sympathizers in prisons and send them to their own colony. Burbridge shot and killed innocent Confederate soldiers, who never were brought to trial. Burbridge randomly selected four prisoners in Louisville and executed them without trial for every Union soldier killed by a guerrillas.” Burbridge like his superior Sherman was just a very good general who knew how to win at any cost. It cost him his home, but the great respect of President Abraham Lincoln and the ruling military command. Julia’s sold in 2009 General Burbridge’s Major General commission signed by President Abraham Lincoln along with a flag he captured from John Hunt Morgan that descended directly from his family. This wonderful sword of a famous general is accompanied by a copy of his recent published biography. PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Sword is very good to fine overall. 32-3/4″ Imported Damascus blade has two 8″ gold panels that retain most of their original luster and gold highlights and background. Blade has several scattered areas of staining and pitting. Brass hilt and scabbard mounts exhibit bronze patina with about 40% of gilt retained. Liberty’s cap appears gold though not tested. Her cap is missing one of three retaining pins, but is still tight. German silver scabbard body sound and solid with scattered small dings and scratches. Engraved decoration and presentation are crisp and easily discerned. 4-46919 JS82 (60,000-80,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2005	$0.00	HIGH GRADE FULL STATUE PRESENTATION SWORD TO GENERAL STEPHEN “BUTCHER” BURBRIDGE. This is a spectacular high quality jeweled sword with a massive 6″ silver statue of Lady Liberty holding a sword wearing a gold “Liberty cap.” Scabbard has presentation from one of his last commands of the Coloured Cavalry Brigade. Burbridge was an excellent officer and general. He had a very distinguished military career, but is best known for his repulse of Confederates into Kentucky led by John Hunt Morgan. One of the largest gravestones in Arlington National Cemetery belongs to him. Burbridge was from Kentucky and was one of the most vocal unionists in this state divided in its loyalties between North and South. After action at Vicksburg and earlier campaigns, Burbridge was given command of the state of Kentucky and had two missions: Conquering the Confederate guerrillas and recruiting Blacks into U.S. service. These actions would serve to make him highly unpopular and the recipient of intense hatred in his native Kentucky. Burbridge struck fear among pro-Confederates in Kentucky by executing by hanging Confederate soldiers, citizens, spies, Confederate sympathizers, and court-martialed soldiers of his own command. He raided guerrilla strongholds and finally smashed John Hunt Morgan. The defeat of Morgan earned Burbridge a brevet to Major General, and he was made war time governor. Burbridge, after the war, had to leave the State of Kentucky, which he loved. He feared for his family’s safety, and he went North never to return finally dying in New York in 1894. A quote from Brian S. Bush “Butcher Burbridge, Union General Stephen Burbridge and His Reign of Terror Over Kentucky” “Burbridge’s military superior, General William T. Sherman told Burbridge to treat guerrillas as “wild animals.” He wrote to Burbridge to gather up men, women, and children, who were rebel sympathizers in prisons and send them to their own colony. Burbridge shot and killed innocent Confederate soldiers, who never were brought to trial. Burbridge randomly selected four prisoners in Louisville and executed them without trial for every Union soldier killed by a guerrillas.” Burbridge like his superior Sherman was just a very good general who knew how to win at any cost. It cost him his home, but the great respect of President Abraham Lincoln and the ruling military command. Julia’s sold in 2009 General Burbridge’s Major General commission signed by President Abraham Lincoln along with a flag he captured from John Hunt Morgan that descended directly from his family. This wonderful sword of a famous general is accompanied by a copy of his recent published biography. PROVENANCE: Kevin Hoffman Collection. CONDITION: Sword is very good to fine overall. 32-3/4″ Imported Damascus blade has two 8″ gold panels that retain most of their original luster and gold highlights and background. Blade has several scattered areas of staining and pitting. Brass hilt and scabbard mounts exhibit bronze patina with about 40% of gilt retained. Liberty’s cap appears gold though not tested. Her cap is missing one of three retaining pins, but is still tight. German silver scabbard body sound and solid with scattered small dings and scratches. Engraved decoration and presentation are crisp and easily discerned. 4-46919 JS82 (60,000-80,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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