✅ SOLVED Seeking details about lead soldier

[invent4hir]

While detecting at the site of a former textile mill I uncovered this lead soldier on horseback. It appears to be solid and measures about 2 1/2"L x 1 7/8" H x 1/4" W. It is more detailed than other lead figures I've found at other sites. However, due to its poor condition, it requires a magnifying glass to see the vertical row of 5 buttons on the coat. The mill was built around 1815 and was torn down sometime later in the 19th century. Any thoughts on what type of soldier this toy represents or about when it was manufactured would be appreciated.

 

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[Subterranean]

Appears to be a home cast cavalry soldier in the two-dimensional style, common and popular in the Victorian era (1880's-1920's) Uniforms were often based on European styles, Prussian-German usually. Sub

 

[invent4hir]

Sub, thanks for your input.

 

[Bonzododa71]

Hi I 4,
I have a bunch of lead soldiers with / without horses very close resemblance to yours...HH...Bonz

 

[Hawks88]

Congrats on that nice find.

 

[invent4hir]

Bonz, that is an amazing collection!

 

[invent4hir]

Hawks88, thanks for the kudos. The property owners are really into local history, so I'll probably give the lead soldier to them for letting me detect on their property. Otherwise it will be included in a display case I'll donate to the historical society, which will be used to educate young and old alike about early pioneers. I was told that kids attending camp last year ask questions about relics in another display case I donated. Hearing that was a pleasant surprise. Reading about history is one thing, but when the kids see relics found nearby that were last held/played with 100-200 years ago, makes the experience more relatable.

 

[DCMatt]

It certainly looks like it was in the ground for a long time. Interesting to note that the horse is galloping, yet the soldier is upright and his sword is still sheathed. A bugler, perhaps? Is he missing his right arm?

I searched for a match but didn't find one. I was looking at "7th Cavalry" toy soldiers. Custer was a popular tragic hero in the late 19th and early 20th C.

I agree with you about kids and relics. I do a Civil War presentation at my local elementary school each year. I have a Riker box of bullets, buttons, and bits that they are allowed to touch. That always gets them engaged...

 

[invent4hir]

DCMatt, based on the history of the area I'm guessing it was in the ground for at least 100 years. I wondered if the horse is galloping or if the legs were bent to look like it on purpose. His right arm is intact and holding the reins. I too have not found an exact match, so I've been looking at pictures of U.S. Cavalry and European uniforms to try to narrow down what the toy was trying to represent. Very cool about you giving a Civil War presentation at your school each year and having actual relics for the children to touch. I gave presentations to a couple senior groups last April and in both cases I told them that for every hour I spend detecting I spend 10 hours researching the site before going there and trying to clean/preserve/identify relics afterwards. Even then there are times the identity of a relic remains a mystery.