Empire of Haiti (1849-59) pouch badge, Haitian (c 1855)

Title	Empire of Haiti (1849-59) pouch badge
Nationality	Haitian
Period	c 1855

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This is the badge for the Emperor Faustin I, whose reign briefly stretched across the middle years of the 19th century. He was bloodlessly tumbled from power in 1859 and even allowed to retire in Haiti in later years. The badge appears to be an incomplete piece, insomuch as it has never been fitted with lugs on the reverse.

It is copied from the 2nd Empire cavalry bodyguard backpouch of Napoleon III's era. Quite possibly a French export product, but interesting nonetheless as an example of the grandiose pretentions of this splendid monarch, whose full history and photo can be seen on Wikipedia.

It is of die-struck gilding metal (13 x 7.5cm) with a patinated bronze finish. Its general condition is virtually as struck, but with some remaining verdigris on its face. There is a small hole punched on top of the crown, probably for mounting on a display board.

Prov: from the J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. Pattern Book Archive, sold at auction by order of the National Army Museum, London.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Badges : Haitian : 19th Century]

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