This auction is for a nice set of National Lancers gilt officer's epaulets in very nice condition. Epaulets are solid, but show signs of use, as there is what looks like some water staining on the top. Each epaulet has an 1830's to 1840's era National Lancers one piece coat button with the initials "NL" (Albert's MS 73, Tice's MS258As1), made by R&W Robinson. The braid on the epaulets is rather wide, indicating these were used by a higher ranking officer, probably the captain. (I am also listing another set this week that is a bit smaller in size, has smaller braid, and a small Lancer cuff button of the same vintage, which was likely used by a lesser officer. In addition, I am listing a Lancer's uniform jacket of the same period, with the enlisted man's version of the epaulets. here is opportunity here to get a great collection all at once.) The Lancers officers used this style epaulet with their red uniforms from the 1840's up to the 1900's. But there was only one captain (who was also the commanding officer) for the troop at a time, so the number of people who would have worn this is rather limited. If only they could talk! Imagine them being worn by Captain Lucius Slade as he led the charge of the Troop in breaking up the Boston Draft Riot! While it is common to be able to find gilt officer epaulets of the pre-CW and CW period, it is extremely difficult to be able to identify them to a particular military unit. Please take a look at the photos. This auction is for this pair of epaulets only, but I am posting some other photos of Lancer items to depict the use of these epaulets. The first 3 photos show these epaulets. The next photo shows one of these epaulets next to the one for a lesser Lancer officer (also for sale this week). The next is a copy of tinted photo circa 1845 showing a Lancer officer with gilt epaulets and an 1833 Dragoon saber, the next of an early songsheet showing a Lancer officer on horseback with gilt epaulets and dragoon saber with brass scabbard (I have that sword for sale this week also). The final photo is of a songsheet welcoming Capt Lucius Slade, captain of the National Lancers during the Civil War years. He is also wearing similar gilt epaulets. Here is the opportunity for a rare item at a great price. Good luck. And be sure to take a look at the other National Lancer items I am listing this week also!
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The National Lancers of BostonAn order issued at Boston, Mass. On June 14, 1836, by His Excellency, Edward Everett, Governor of the Commonwealth stated “Believing the formation of a Corps of Cavalry duly enrolled in the military force of The Commonwealth will strengthen the government under which we live and supply a deficiency severely felt and deeply regretted, I hereby direct Captain Thomas to form and equip such a Corps.” By November 1, 1836, a Troop of sixty-four officers and men was organized and incorporated into the Third Brigade, First Division, Mass. Volunteer Militia. Special Orders No.45, issued November 16, 1836 by Col. Jarvis Braman, Second Regt., Third Brigade, First Division, M.V.M. reads “A Corps of Cavalry, called National Lancers, has been formed and attached to this regiment. It has been duly organized and the following officers elected, viz.: Thomas Davis, Esq., Captain; Louis Dennis, Esq., First Lieutenant; Peter Dunbar, Esq., Second Lieutenant; Lewis Monroe, Cornet. They have been respectively commissioned and will be obeyed accordingly.” Prior to the formation of the Lancers, there was no formal organized cavalry troop in the Massachusetts Militia. Throughout the 1840's, the National Lancers remained the only organized Cavalry Troop in the Massachusetts Militia.Almost before they were known to the public, the National Lancers were introduced as a valuable asset in the peace-keeping force. On June 11, 1837, they responded to the tolling of the city bells to assist in quelling the “Broad Street Riot.” A newspaper of the time says: “The new horse company of Lancers, under command of Captain Davis, arrived on the scene. They marched in close column, and cleared the streets, so that at half-past seven order was restored.” Only three days later the Troop made its first dress parade on Boston Common, with several vacant places left in the ranks due to injuries suffered at the riot.Influenced by the uniforms of the Polish Lancers and the French army, the original uniform of the Lancers consisted of: a green double-breasted coat which when buttoned one way was entirely green, but when buttoned the other way showed a plastron of scarlet, as well red trousers with the section from the knee to the ankle green like the coat. (Please see the photo of the famous Fitz Hugh Lane print "The National Lancers with Reviewing Officers on Boston Common" that I have posted with one of this week's auctions. It shows both the early uniform and hat as worn by the Troopers, but that the company band, even as early as 1837, wore the scarlet jacket that I have for auction this week.) The Lancers were armed with a sabre, a flintlock pistol, and a lance with a scarlet pennon with two points. In 1845, the full dress uniform of the troop was changed. The green and red coat was discarded and instead a scarlet coat with two rows of gilt buttons, bearing the company's initials was adopted. A pair of scarlet and blue epaulets and a white belt set off the coat, and sky blue trousers replaced the red and green ones of the original uniform. The red and blue czapka with sunburst on the front, originally worn only by the band (as was a solid red jacket), was now worn by all the troop, and continued to be the official dress hat until the early 1900's. At the beginning of the Civil War, most of the Lancer members were mature and established business men with careers and families, and military service in the field was beyond them. But the officers participated in recruiting companies for the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, and various of the younger officers and men, along with these new recruits, formed Companies C, D, and G of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, entering Federal service and serving originally in South Carolina, but most serving later with the Army of the Potomac in Virginia.Those Lancers who remained in Boston remained as active members of the Massachusetts Militia. In July 1862, a draft riot broke out in Boston, and the mob, once formed, began to assault stores where firearms and ammunition were kept, defying the civil authorities. Companies of Militia, including the National Lancers, as well as contingents from the Volunteer forces at Readville were called out. One hundred twenty five Lancers responded. The mob had been trying to break into the armory of the Light Battery of Artillery, and though the besieged militiamen within had already fired upon the mob, killing and wounding several rioters, they had not been able to drive them away. The Lancers charged down the street, clearing away the mob, and the battery was able to come out of the armory, and escorted by the Lancers, took a position in Faneuil Hall Square, the guns planted so as to command all approaches. For eight days following the Lancers were on duty patrolling the streets of the city and preserving order. The National Lancers still exist today as members of the Massachusetts Militia. For more information, please view their website.