A REPUBLIC OF TEXAS ENGRAVED SILVER PLATE MOUNTED

A REPUBLIC OF TEXAS ENGRAVED SILVER PLATE MOUNTED CARVED WOOD WALKING STICK, COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO, BELONGING TO ARCHIBALD ST. CLAIR RUTHVEN, DATED 1841, of tapering faux grained natural form with silver plate capped truncated branches and pierced silver stars suspending a blue tasseled silk cord, surmounted by a conforming cap enclosing a "JR" monogram above sides with inscription "FROM. / A.S. RUTHVEN. / HOUSTON, TEXAS. / To his father / in Edinburgh, 1841 / Cut from the Battleground of San Jacinto," ending in a conforming circular bronze collar and iron base cap. Note: The Battle of San Jacinto (in present day Harris County, Tx), is considered the decisive battle of the Texas War of Independence (1835-1836) and was fought on April 21, 1836. The Texian Army, led by General Sam Houston, defeated the Mexican Army under General Santa Anna in just eighteen minutes. Provenance: Archibald St. Clair Ruthven (Scottish/Texan 1813-1865) emigrated from Scotland to the United States in 1832 and by 1840 had moved to Houston, Texas. Ruthven was initiated into the first Masonic Lodge for Texas, Holland Lodge No.1, where he progressed rather quickly attaining a variety of offices. Ultimately, he was appointed as Grand Master (1846-1847) followed by Grand Secretary (1848-1861). While serving as Grand Secretary he was able to chronicle an important two volume publication "Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Texas: 1837-1857," which covered the organization's early history as well as records. He was also active in the Knights Templar at New Orleans and later in Houston at the Ruthven Commandery No. 1, so named in his honor. He was well known for his protestations of the annexation of Texas by the United States. In 1855 he and his wife moved to Galveston, where he served as the Texas representative for cotton purchasing of a New York firm and later Powell & Ruthven of Galveston. The success of cotton and his business led him to commission a steamboat in his name. Unfortunately the steamboat was used as a transport vessel during the Civil War and was sunk in 1861. The anchor was later recovered and is displayed in Palestine, Texas. During the war, Ruthven was actively involved in blockade running off the Texas coast. Just before the war ended, he and his wife returned to Scotland where he fell ill with tuberculosis and died on July 24th, 1865. Height: 36.00" Dimensions: Condition Report: Good condition, normal areas of tarnish, minor surface marks and small scratches, some small dings and wear on engraved cap. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."