Black felt hat with turned up brim known as the “HARDEE” or “JEFF DAVIS” hat. However, the correct term for it is the Model 1858 dress hat. This hat was worn mostly for dress by Union enlisted men but many found their way into the field in a variety of shapes and with many insignia configurations.

This example has a blocked top and a brim that has two rows of stitching close to the edge. The felt body of the hat is in very good condition with only some light surface wear. The right side of the brim is turned up and held in place by a stamped brass plate bearing a spread-winged eagle over a sunburst and stars. This plate is affixed to the hat by two loops on the back. The left side of the brim has an expertly done repair that meas. approx. 6.00 inches across. This repair is difficult to see from the top and from the bottom it looks like a very light stain. The front of the hat has a stamped brass infantry hunting horn insignia while around the base of the crown is a thin black ribbon and a wool sky-blue hat cord with acorns and tassels. Both the hat cord and the hunting horn show that this hat was meant for use by an infantryman.

The interior is also in good condition. The sweatband is 100% intact. It is ox-blood in color and meas. approx. 2.25 inches high. It does show some moderate wear along the bottom edge and light wear on the body but there are no rips or tears. In the crown is a complete label stamped with an eagle and “U.S. ARMY NO.4.” The label is crinkled some with a raised split near one edge but it is nothing serious and does not detract from the piece in any way.

This is an excellent example of the Model 1858 dress hat.

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