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US ARMY ca. 1880’S CAVALRY FLAG LANCE HARDWARE SET FOR  GUIDONS, REGIMENTAL STANDARDS, AND NATIONAL COLORS – COMPLETE SET:  One of the seldom encountered items that were a mainstay of the 19TH Century army, this complete set of cavalry flag lance decorative hardware was originally found years ago in one of the commercial militaria warehouses in Manhattan, New York, and has since been held in a long established collection.   

Identifiable as the spear tip and ferrule used on Cavalry guidons, regimental standards, and their National Colors, this set differs in shape from the tips used on infantry and artillery flag pikes (note the difference even in the terminology – cavalry lance vs. infantry and artillery pike).  

The diagrams shown below are from the Quartermaster General’s manual, U.S. ARMY UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT, 1889, which includes descriptions and diagrams of the various guidons, standards, National Colors, and the appropriate lances and pikes.  This manual is the only original reference I am aware of which provides this information.   

The brass spade-shaped spear tip measures 7 ¼” long and 3 ¼” at the widest point, with a socket ¾” in diameter.  The tip is full form with very little sign of wear and no damage, and the brass has a nicely aged natural patina.  The ferrule measures 5 ¼” long and the socket is 7/8” in diameter.  The ferrule is nickel plated pot metal and while retaining its full form, the plating has suffered significant loss as can be seen in the photographs below.  The difference in diameter of the two sockets allowed for the taper of the wooden lance body.   

Despite the age and obvious evidence of use, this complete set is a scarce find and could be assembled into a full lance on which to display a period cavalry flag.  (0132)  $350

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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