Original 1832 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Silver Bullion Hunting Horn Insignia

This is another rare piece being offered, it is an original 1832 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Silver Bullion Hunting Horn Insignia. It measures approximately 2 ¾” x 2” with a black background and silver bullion and sequins. The1832 pattern embroidered hunting horn was authorized for the tails of infantry officers’ coats (see pictures), replacing the old blue-cloth diamonds. Militia followed the trend, with greater or lesser strictness. These remained regulation in the regular army until 1851 and much later in militia units and into the Civil War on a case-by-case basis.

These were of an earlier style with the horn dangling from a tassel that was likely inspired by British light infantry units and identical to the one used by the British Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Regiment. The same design was used as an officer’s skirt-tail ornament on the back of the tailed coats worn prior to the introduction of the frock coat. 

The same open bugle horn, sometimes called the stringed horn, appeared as a cap ornament on the regular army shako from 1832 to 1851, with some made of white metal. It is possible, however, that an embroidered device like this may well have made its way onto militia headgear, depending on the unit’s regulations for uniforms. With the availability of this insignia, and the elimination of the officer’s dress tailcoats, they saw continued use on Hardee Hats and officer’s headgear.

These paper-wrapped insignias were thought to be from the Civil War surplus stock of W. Stokes Kirk of Philadelphia, that were brought home as keepsakes by a late W. Stokes Kirk clerk when the old Philadelphia based military surplus dealer closed up shop in 1976.

Very seldom do these original infantry insignias become available, and when they do, they are quite pricey, the last one I seen sold for $250.00. I also just seen one from a prominent Civil War dealer at the Gettysburg Show, he had it priced at $375.00, and it wasn't in nice condition as this one is (see pictures). Another I recently seen at a well known shop (see pictures). This unique piece is in very nice condition and comes in the glass top display case pictured - you will not find a better price.