Andiron

Title:

Hessian Soldier Andirons

Object Name:

Andiron

Creator:

Unknown

Date:

Late19thcentury

Material:

Cast-iron, wrought-iron, paint

Dimensions:

H-4.75 L-21 Dia-7 inches

Description:

Pair of cast-iron figures of "Hessian" soldiers striding forward, looking over left shoulder. Only left arm is visible. Wearing uniform and cap patterned after 18th century Hessian Soldiers, but the cap bears an eagle, which is incorrect to the 18th century uniform. A plain wrought-iron dog attached to the figure.

Provenance:

Hessian Soldier Andirons were popular after the American Revolution. Many were made for its 50th Anniversary and again after the Civil War.

The Hessians were 18th-century German auxiliaries contracted for military service by the British government. About 30,000 German soldiers fought for the British during the American Revolution. American patriots used propaganda to note that the soldiers were non-British mercenaries. They also offered them land bounties to desert and join the Americans.

Subjects:

Andirons, Fire, Fireplaces

People:

Hessian

Place of Origin:

Unkown

Collection Name:

Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire

Item Number:

1990.137 ab

Accession Number:

1990.137 ab

Type of Material:

Objects

Copyright Statement:

For information regarding copyright, permissions, and reproductions contact the American Independence Museum

Credit Line:

American Independence Museum

Participating Organization:

American Independence Museum