Escutcheon With A Royal Cypher
 

This appears to be a excavated brass escutcheon with a royal cypher. Does anyone recognize it?

This photo is copyright (c) 2014 by Dana K. Williams. All Rights Are Reserved.

Looks like a monogram of the four kings (Rex) of Prussia with the name Friedrich Wilhelm.

Wow. Thanks Gustav!

The escutcheon was excavated near Maryland along with parts from what would seem to be a Brown Bess Musket (see attached photos). This leads to all kinds of interesting speculation. And it is a perfect post for July 4th.

Frederick William I (Friedrich Wilhelm I, 1688 – 1740) was the father of Frederick the Great (1712 - 1786). Great Britain formed a strong alliance with Frederick the Great, and a coalition with combined forces during the Seven Years' War (1756–1763).

Several German states contracted to provide soldiers to the British Army. Almost 30,000 fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War. It is estimated that half of these came from the Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel, hence the name these soldiers became known by, “Hessians”.

Frederick William I is also credited with codifying the Prussian military traditions that when merged with the traditions of British by Baron Von Steuben, "help build the foundation of what was to become the United States Army". see: Guardians of the Republic: History of the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps of the Us Army By Ernest F. Fisher, page 31, and 32

Isn't this an example worthy of the Miscellania sub-forum ?
Have you visited that section ? :o

I am not sure Fernando. The escutcheon is weapons related, and if it came from a specific type of, lets say a Prussia Musket, it would probably be picked up here faster.

I was thinking the Miscellania sub-forum would be where I'd post something like a jade carving or terracotta Indian figure excavated at a Spanish Mission site. Something culturally related to Colonial Spain, but not directly weapons related.

To answer your question, I have been checking it out.

Good catch Gustav! One of the best sources for information on these cyphers and monograms are coin collecting guides, which often include details on monarchs etc. This is one instance where associated materials related to weapons become pertinent as these markings often are found on sword blades and sometimes other arms, as well as accoutrements .

Dana, thank you so much for adding this intriguing historical perspective and for always participating in developing discussion . You have a great deal of knowledge and access to wonderful examples.

It looks like the Escutcheon that began this thread is from a Prussian Musket M1723 / M1740.

I haven't had much luck finding photographs, but I did find this:

http://www.kronoskaf.com/syw/index.p...fantry_Weapons

here is this escutcheon from a Prussian musket M 1723 showing the monogramm of Friedrich Wilhem I. (Fredericus Wilhelmus Rex)

corrado26

Interesting. Thanks for posting corrado26!