General Robert Patterson’s Bullion Cockade & Eagle- Circa 1840’s

Description

General Robert Patterson’s Bullion Cockade & Eagle- Circa 1840’s. This elongated bullion cockade with pattern 1821 militia eagle plate was worn on the chapeau de bras belonging to then General Robert Patterson of the Pennsylvania Militia, C-1846, the date of his commission into the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Patterson commanded the 2nd Volunteer Division, under General Zachary Taylor’s Army of Occupation in Mexico during the war there.

The stamped brass eagle is the pattern 1821, as seen in “American Military Headgear Insignia” by Campbell & O’Donnell; figure 203, page 97. Note that the line through the shield is exactly alike the above figure in the reference book, and must have been caused by a cracked plate. The period stated in the book, is 1835-40, but with militia there can be a greater latitude in usage, well beyond the estimated date. The back of the cockade panel is lined in yellow silk.  The button used was manufactured by R.W. Robinson, Makers, Attleboro, Mass., and again the same period of usage.

Included with this item is a CDV of Robert Patterson, from the family photo album (a picture is shown- NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS LOT). The image was taken by F. Gutekunst, Philadelphia, with an ink pen cancelled Revenue stamp. The image is post Civil War, late 1860’s.

The descendant’s estate where these item came from recently, had many family images, & some military insignia that will be offered as we get to them. Patterson’s sons were generals (Francis E. Patterson, and Robert E. Patterson by brevet), but either of this men achieved general rank until the Civil War years.

Condition of the insignia’s bullion has toned from age, but the gilt on the eagle and button are very strong.

I have a photocopied sheet with some history of the general’s Mexican War service.