Figure 47 



Figure 48 



number of variations of design, this specimen con- 

 forms exactly to the regulations of 1851 as published 

 by Horstmann. 



CAP AND COLLAR INSIGNIA, ENGINEER SOLDIERS, 1 85 1 



USNM 61618. Figure 49. 



The 1851 uniform regulations called for a "castle 

 of yellow metal one and five-eighths inches by one 

 and one-fourth inches high" on both the coat collar 

 and the hat of "Engineer Soldiers." This specimen, 

 struck in brass, conforms exactly to the descriptions 





Figure 49 



and drawing in the Horstmann publication of the 

 regulations. 



CAP INSIGNIA, DRAGOON OFFICERS, I85I 



USNM 604879 (S-K 1024). Figure 50. 



Comprising crossed sabers of gold, with edges 

 upward, this insignia is similar to the well-known 

 de\'icc worn by the Regular cavalry as late as 1953. 



* In 1846 the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen was 

 organized to consolidate the northern route to the 

 Pacific by establishing and manning a series of posts 

 along the Oregon Trail.*" The outbreak of the War 

 with Mexico postponed this mission and the unit 

 was diverted to the theater of operations. Shortly 

 after the regiment was constituted it was authorized 



Figure 50 



"Act of May 19, 1846 (.Military Laws, pp. 371-372). 



30 



