O Say Can You See
The story of the Star Spangled Banner (written on September 14), with a little note about the cockades involved!
Recent polls show that most Americans know little, if anything, about what has been called America's second war for independence from Great Britain. Some even think it happened before the American Revolution.
Fortunately, reenactments and commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 a few years ago helped to bring it back to people's attention.
In spite of its unmemorable title, the story of the war is dramatic and exciting. As one entertaining article summed it up: "Upstart nation with a tiny army and even smaller navy declares war on former colonial master, one of the most powerful nations on earth, and nearly gets blown off the map, but rallies in the end to squeak out a moral victory."
The "upstart" nature of this war is evidenced by the fact that even our national cockades were still the black Hanovarian style borrowed from Great Britain!
In 1817, a Congressional committee would discuss whether to create a national cockade based on the colors of our national flag. But in 1812-1814 (the years of the war), the national cockade was black - albeit with an American eagle in the center.
That eagle is very handy for cockade collectors like me. Because the eagle's style changed slightly through the years, it is easy to date a military cockade by the eagle's design. I'm proud that one of the beauties in my collection is a genuine, 210 year old 1812-1815 era military cockade!
My regulation cockade is made from pressed leather, a very sturdy and sharp looking choice for soldiers in the field.
Not all military men wore this cockade though. In 1812, Americans were still debating whether a standing army was even needed - and they certainly didn't like the idea of funding one! So soldiers during the war often wore their own idea of a military cockade, such as this one worn by James Thompson below.
It's a simple black cockade, pleated with sturdy petersham ribbon. A plain brass button adorns the center.
In this drawing of War of 1812 soldiers from the US Army's website, you can clearly see how the cockades were mounted - and you can see the difference between the high ranking officers' fine satin cockades and the lower ranks' leather cockades.
In 1799, Secretary of War James McHenry set what would be a 50+ year standard for military cockades: All persons belonging to the army, to wear a black cockade, with a Small white Eagle in the centre. The cockade of non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, to be of leather, with Eagles of tin. - James McHenry, January 9, 1799
James McHenry, by the way, is who Fort McHenry is named after. Which leads me to bring up another important event that happened during the War of 1812.
Oh Say Can You See?
Over 200 years ago this month, Francis Scott Key was looking over his first draft of "The Star Spangled Banner." Only he had a different name for it: "The Defense of Fort McHenry."
The apparently invincible British had swept through the Southern states, blockaded American ports and burned the American capitol. After burning Washington DC, they tried to capture Baltimore, but ran into a snag. Even after bombarding Fort McHenry for 25 hours, the fort refused to surrender. The British were finally halted.
American lawyer Francis Scott Key was held prisoner on one of the bombarding British ships during the battle. His only clue by the morning of September 14 that the fort still stood was the "star spangled banner" proudly waving over the walls. His poem about the event became our national anthem.
My 1812 Cockades
There are some great sutlers recreating the leather military cockades of the War of 1812. But if you're looking for an officer's silk cockade or militia man's plain cockade, check out the ones in my shop!
Exciting News (for me) and Temporary Shop Closure
Long-time readers know that I often reference how my grandparents encouraged and supported me in my business. In fact, they got our family into reenacting many years ago! Last year, some of you will remember, Gramps went home to Jesus. This year, Grandma has decided to move across country to be near our family. And I will be moving in with her! I am very excited to do life with her for the next few years and can’t wait for us to get settled together.
I will be closing my shop later this week and we begin the process of moving her out here, and moving me and my shop in with her. If y’all think of it, pray that things go smoothly.
Please feel free to email me with any questions or order discussions in the meantime. I hope to reopen my shop soon and will be happy to help you out with your cockade needs!
Regards,
Heather
Good luck on your move! Prayers for smooth travels. Please open up soon!