Artist/Maker W. H. Horstmann & Sons (American, founded 1816)

Epaulets with storage box

1851-1861

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Metal, textile, paint

Each (epaulet): 3 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 5 1/4 in. (8.9 x 19.1 x 13.3 cm)
Container (box): 5 1/4 × 9 3/4 × 7 in. (13.3 × 24.8 × 17.8 cm)

Gift of Mrs. Joseph Keppler

1956.167a-c

According to the accession records, these epaulets were worn by Dr. Francis Miller (1817-1892), who served as surgeon of the 5th Regiment, National Guard New York, for seven years prior to the Civil War.

DescriptionPair of surgeon's epaulets; rigid, gold lace-covered strap with gilded metal button embossed with shield-breasted eagle inside a border of stars; gilded brass crescent surrounding a gold embroidered laurel wreath enclosing silver embroidered initials "M.S."; gold bullion fringe measuring 2 5/8 inches in length and 1/4 inch in diameter attached to rigid cuff; padded rose colored silk lining and brass channel fastener; in black painted metal storage box which is oval in shape with half-cylindrical indentations on either side, and has a hinged lid with flat top and wire handle; oval interior compartment, also with hinged lid, contains miscellaneous metal uniform accessories (INV.8275a-f).

Markingsstamped: on both fasteners: "W. H. HORSTMANN & SONS / PHILADELPHIA" stamped: on one fastener: "RIGHT" stamped: on other fastener: "LEFT" embroidered: inside crescent: "M.S." handwritten in white: on lining: "15"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM