Vtg Custom Cast 1974 The Union Horse Artillery Brigade of the Army of the Potomac #207 Toy Soldiers 1 Wagon 2 Cannon 2 Horses 10 Men

Vtg Custom Cast 1974 The Union Horse Artillery Brigade of the Army of the Potomac #207 Toy Soldiers 1 Wagon 2 Cannon 2 Horses 10 Men

This superior set of Custom Cast Union Army men and the plate with the 2 horses, with one man on horseback, 2 men in the wagon and the canon being in tow in addition to the 7 other Union soldiers are from our large collection of all things vintage.

Each soldier is embossed on the base "CUSTOM CAST" copyright 1974. All bases are in blue color except for the Flag Bearer.

Handmade and hand painted with tremendous detail. Truly a piece of toy soldier art.

The plate is 4 1/2" x 1 3/4". At the highest point of the wagon it is approx. 2" tall. The horseman is removable. The other horse is carrying provisions. On the base of the plate on yellow metal #207
"Union Horse Artillery 1 wagon, 1 cannon - 2 horses, 3 men".

Each Union soldier is unique. There is one other single cannon.

The Union Horse Artillery Brigade of the Army of the Potomac was a brigade of various batteries of horse artillery during the American Civil War.

Made up almost entirely of individual, company-strength batteries from the Regular Army's five artillery regiments, the Horse Artillery operated under the command umbrella of the Cavalry Corps. The Horse Artillery differed from other light artillery (also known as "mounted" artillery) in that each member of the unit traveled on his own horse, rather than the traditional light artillery practice of "drivers" riding horses pulling the guns, while the cannoneers rode on the limbers and caissons. Ordinarily, though, the cannoneers traveled on foot behind their respective gun. But, with each man on his own horse, the unit could travel faster and more efficiently. It was the brainchild of former artillery captain and Brig. Gen. William Farquhar Barry, Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac, in 1861. With such a large percentage of the U.S. Horse Artillery being artillery batteries from the regular U.S. Army, it developed a superb reputation for military efficiency, accuracy of fire, and command presence in the field and in battle. These mobile artillery units were typically equipped with 3-inch Ordnance rifles, known for their reliability and accuracy.

Originally under the direct command of Lt. Col. (and future Brigadier General) William Hays, and later under the two-brigade command of captains James Madison Robertson and John C. Tidball, the Horse Artillery served with distinction during most of the major engagements in the Eastern Theater. Tidball's brigade later was commanded by Capt Dunbar R. Ransom.

It is notable that each of these men - Barry, Hays, Robertson, and Tidball - came from the officers corps of the 2nd Regiment of Artillery. One of their chief champions, Henry Jackson Hunt, commanded the Reserve Artillery in the Army of the Potomac, and was also an officer of the 2nd U.S. Artillery.

I have done much research on this set to no avail. I have also reached out to existing toy soldier stores and groups, none who are familiar with this set.

Please see the photos to complete the description.

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