I've just acquired (well...it's "in the mail") a Grimsley dragoon bit which has been fitted with these MASSIVE bosses bearing an eagle.
I'm trying to ascertain: the approximate AGE of the eagle and its possible association with any particular unit, etc.
Part of my research will be looking for analogs on military buttons, etc.
My hope, of course, is that the bosses were original additions...or at least, say, added within 20 years of the bit's manufacture. I'm envisioning (dreaming?) they might have been private purchase additions by an officer in the 1840s-1860s.
ANY insights, connections, speculations, etc. are appreciated. Thanks in advance...
jim
I'm trying to ascertain: the approximate AGE of the eagle and its possible association with any particular unit, etc.
Part of my research will be looking for analogs on military buttons, etc.
My hope, of course, is that the bosses were original additions...or at least, say, added within 20 years of the bit's manufacture. I'm envisioning (dreaming?) they might have been private purchase additions by an officer in the 1840s-1860s.
ANY insights, connections, speculations, etc. are appreciated. Thanks in advance...
jim