The uniform adopted was of the same general description as that of 1866, with perhaps a few minor changes.
The following officers were elected with rank from April 1, 1875: Henry A. Plate, captain, vice Wilder promoted major; Thomas J. O’Keeffe, first lieutenant, vice Smith; Edward F. Sellick, second lieutenant, vice Plate promoted.
COMPANY BADGE.
The first mention of a badge for the company was made on October 9, 1873, a number of designs being offered, but no immediate action was taken. Between this date and the New Year discussions were had upon the subject, and in February, 1874, an attempt was made to abandon the idea, but this was voted down. Matters rested until the early months of the following year, when about fifteen designs were again offered, and from these, five or six of the best ones selected, and given into the hands of a committee. This committee made up one design, adopting the best features of those in hand, and presented the result to the company for final action. This badge was accepted, as near as the writer can determine, some time during June, 1875. A facsimile of this badge can be seen on the cover of this book.
The “City Guard,” together with the entire regiment, participated in the 2nd brigade encampment held at San Rafael on the 20th, 21st, and 22d of May, 1875, Brevet Major General W. L. Elliott, U. S. A., being in command. Quite a number of United States troops were also present.
One of the most pleasing episodes in the history of the company occurred on August 7, 1875, when Captain Plate, on behalf of himself and sister, Miss Josie Plate, presented to the organization a beautiful silk national flag, which has ever been prized most highly by the members of the “City Guard,” and many are the times that they have paraded beneath its classic folds.
Upon this same evening the captain also presented to the company what is known as the Plate Badge. This badge is the permanent property of the “City Guard,” and it is annually placed in competition as a shooting decoration. This badge is described as a massive scroll shield, weighing almost two ounces in gold. In the center of this shield is the monogram “C. G.” in large lettering, surmounted by a bear, over which stands in bold relief the name “Plate Badge,” all of which is enameled in black, the groundwork being beautifully hand chased. On the reverse side is the following inscription: Presented to the “City Guard” by Captain H. A. Plate, August 7, 1875. Miss Josie Plate was elected an honorary member of the company on the 19th of August. She is the only lady who has that distinction.
Some time previous to September, 1875, this company received the breech-loading Springfield rifle from the state authorities. These are the 45-70 now in use. Sixty were allotted to “B.”
The second week of November of this year found the company located in a new home. This time the move was made to No. 318 Post street, opposite the square, between Stockton and Powell streets, on the north side. This armory was owned and occupied by Company C, the “National Guard” of the First. Here the “City Guard” remained until the last of July, 1879.
Another beautiful annual shooting prize was presented to the company by Miss May C. Bourn, on the evening of May 4, 1876. This handsome affair is in the shape of a heavy solid silver cup or vase, and is known generally as the “Bourn Cup.” The winner of this cup holds it for one year, when it is then again competed for.