The Civil War artifact presented is an original example of a complete, Pattern 1858, Federal enlisted artilleryman’s hat. Commonly referred to as the “Hardee Hat”, the government-issue cover was once part of the well-known Stamatelos Collection of Massachusetts. T

Though somewhat bulky, this specimen of U.S. Army head gear is in minty condition overall and still retains its original red hat cord, and black ostrich plume, in addition to all of its brass insignia. As called for in War Department General Orders dated March 1858, the hat is constructed of black fur or wool felt material that was artificially stiffened with shellac. Hat features a crown approximately 6½” high with a ½” oval head curve. Wrapped around the base of the crown is a 3/8” wide strip of original black ribbon that itself is wrapped with an original artillery hat cord of two thick strands of 3/8” diameter, deep red worsted terminating in two-inch long tassels with acorns. Ribbon, cords, and tassels are both in excellent condition. Hat has a very slight convex curve, almost flat, across the crown top which measures 5 5/8” long x 5 3/8” wide.

Brim is 3” wide and features two rows of fine, black silk sewn along the brim outer edge as called for in enlisted models. Edge does show a few small areas where the silk thread has frayed but else has no blemishes. Brim is looped up on the hat’s left side and pinned with a large, sheet brass, spread-winged eagle device hat insignia, a.k.a. the Jefferson Davis pin. Exterior front face of crown exhibits a company designation with a brass, ¾” high numeral “1” pinned through the material and secured with a small piece of leather. Below the number is the artillery insignia of a set of ‘crossed cannon.’ All brass furniture has acquired a mellow, pleasing dark bronze patina. Featured on the hat’s right side exterior is a single, fine condition, black ostrich plume used a decorative trimming. Plume is anchored at the front of the black ribbon and tucked near the band.

The crown interior is not lined but features a 2½” high, thin Moroccan leather sweatband still strong and tightly stitched to the brim. Glued to the interior top of the crown is a circular piece of thin, black oilcloth decorated with a stamped pennant “U. S. ARMY” that sits above a stamped, spread-winged eagle motif. Also stamped in large letters below the motif is the wording “EXTRA / MANUFACTURE / 3”. All above markings are in faded, but clearly visible green-tinted colored ink.

Federal Army ‘Hardee hats’ such as this super, early war 1858 pattern artillery specimen are scarce today in any condition. Here is a complete and minty Federal Army piece of Civil War headgear to highlight any military collection.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!