In 1833 the United States Army established the dragoons and at the time they were the only horse mounted troops in the army. The dragoons rode into battle on horseback then did most of their fighting dismounted. In this way they were different from the cavalry and mounted riflemen which were separate units of mounted troops prior to the Civil War. In 1861 all mounted regiments were redesignated 'cavalry', thereby ending the dragoons.
This die was used to make the eagle plate that was attached to the front center of a dragoon shako (hat). There was a separate sunburst metal plate that went between the eagle and the shako.
Made/Created
Manufacturer
Horstmann
Date made
1833 - 1860
Notes
This die was acquired by The M.C. Lilley Co when they purchased the military business from The William H Horstmann Company in 1924. When C.E. Ward purchased the military and fraternal assets from Lilley-Ames in 1951 this die was included in the sale and made its way to New London, OH.
Horstmann continued to offer this shako plate for sale long after the dragoons ceased to exist in 1860.
The shape and form of this die is very similar to others documented to have come from Horstmann and was very possibly produced (engraved) by Frederick C. Key or his son, William H Key. Both Frederick & William are famous, documented engravers. More research needs to be done. Possibly acquired by Horstmann from William Pinchin Company?
Dimensions
Dimension Description
Die
Height
2-3/8 in
Width
3-3/4 in
Length
4-5/16 in
Weight
8 lb
Dimension Description
Male Working Die
Height
3/8 in
Width
3-3/16 in
Length
4 in
Weight
13/16 lb
Condition
Overall Condition
Very Good
Date Examined
Aug 25, 2020
Notes
There is a crack in the die from use which can be clearly seen in the attached pictures. The engraved image is crisp and clean.
