135 - Porcelain figure of a West Point Military Academy cadet in guard uniform with rifle, 20th century

Porcelain figure of a West Point Military Academy cadet in guard uniform with rifle, 20th century Porcelain, white, glazed, unmarked, figure of an American cadet of the West Point Military Academy in guard uniform with greatcoat and shoulder cape, sash and peaked cap, holding the rifle in the right hand, the left hand behind the back, on the rear belt pouch the raised inscription "US", standing on a square base, good condition commensurate with age, 25x7x7 cm (HxWxD). 360-degree photo available on our website. The United States Military Academy at West Point on the Hudson, founded in 1802, is the oldest officer school in the United States. Since 1816 its cadets have worn the grey uniform, Cadet Gray, which during the years of the War of 1812 replaced the expensive indigo-dyed blue for reasons of cost and became the hallmark of the academy. The long, double-breasted cadet overcoat was introduced in 1828 under Superintendent Thayer and is still made by hand in the tailor shop of the academy today. Figures of this kind show the cadet of the US Army as a representative figure of the military academy and its traditions.