W H Horstmann was the founder of the Horstmann empire. The Horstmann family produced a wide variety of military goods, including uniforms and hats, most buttons were actually manufactured by either Scovill or Steel & Johnson. Buttons produced during the founders tenure up to approximately 1850, will bear WH Horstmann name in general, however this name continued to be used well beyond the founders death. Two Horstmann sons, William and Sigmond, became partners, buttons bearing variations of W H Horstmann & Sons and will date 1843 and later. Horstmann Sons & Drucker date 1845 to 1849, this was a partnership by WH Horstmann and Drucker. Horstmann Brothers generally operated 1859 to 1893, these "brothers" are the sons of W H Horstmann working together after the founders death. Horstmann Brothers & Allien date 1850s to 1877, this is the brothers (sons of WH) working with Henry V Allien, after the founders death. HV Allien eventually formed his own company, these buttons date after the Civil War.
