US Dragoon Button

US Dragoon Button, eagle with "Horstmann/New York, (15.8mm) Button depicts a feathered neck spread-eagle facing right.  On the eagle's chest is a narrow pointed recessed shield with a raised initial "d" for Dragoon,  In the eagle's talon is a long stem seven petal laurel stem.  In it's left claw is a small bundle of three arrows pointing upward.  The high relief pattern is set on a high convex plain field with no edge boarder.  The Army transformed the Second Dragoons into mounted riflemen in 1842 and the unit was again reorganized into the 2nd Cavalry at the beginning of the Civil War.  Backmark: "HORSTMANN /(dot) NEW YORK (dot)" DM.  Two-part convex button, coat size.  Very nice condition, original loop shank is straight and intact. 

Reference: Albert DR4, Tice DR215A5