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Pair of Painted Hessian Andirons, 19th C.
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Description
Form: Hessian Andirons
Material: Iron
Marks: None
Construction: Cast Iron
Features: This pair of andirons have cast iron statues of Hessian soldiers at their fronts, designed to appear as though walking on patrol. They wear black boots, belts, coats, and hats. Their uniforms are red. The actual dog protrudes from their backs. Original paint surfaces.
Date: 19th C.
Provenance: New Hampshire Estate
Size: H. 20.5xW. 9.5xD. 19.0"
Weight: 36lbs
Condition: The paint on the statues is spotted with minor losses and the iron of the dogs has become somewhat rusted, but the majority of the paint is intact.
History: Two Hessian soldiers of the LeibregimentThe Hessians /'h???n/[1] were 18th-century German auxiliaries contracted for military service by the British government, which found it easier to borrow money to pay for their service than to recruit its own soldiers.[2] The British used the Hessians in several conflicts, including in Ireland, but they are most widely associated with combat operations in the American Revolutionary War.About 30,000 German soldiers fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War. Nearly half were from the Hesse region of Germany (which is the origin of their name); the others came from similar small German states. Several more German units were placed on garrison duty in the British Isles to free up British regulars for service in North America.[3]American patriots made propaganda use of the fact that the soldiers were non-British mercenaries. They also offered them land bounties to desert and join the Americans.About 18,000 Hessian troops first arrived in North America in 1776, with more coming in later. They first landed at Staten Island in New York on August 15, 1776. Their first engagement was in the Battle of Long Island. The Hessians fought in almost every battle, although after 1777, the British used them mainly as garrison troops. An assortment of Hessians fought in the battles and campaigns in the southern states during 1778–80 (including Guilford Courthouse), and two regiments fought at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.The British use of Hessian troops rankled American sentiment, and pushed some Loyalists to favor the revolution. The British use of non-English speaking foreign troops to put down the rebellion was seen as insulting, as it treated British subjects no differently than non-British subjects. Pro-British Tories believed that the British colonists deserved more than mercenary foes
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Pair of Painted Hessian Andirons, 19th C.
Estimate $300 - $600
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