This Civil War cloth artifact is a very fine example of a complete, 1858-pattern, government issue, mounted enlistedman’s hat as called for in War Department General Orders for March 1858. Commonly called the “Hardee Hat”, this handsome, original article of U.S. Army uniform headgear is in excellent overall condition and complete with all original brass insignia, hat cord and ostrich plume. Constructed of black fur or wool felt material artificially stiffened with shellac, the piece features a slightly tapered crown 5¾” high, brim to top. The base of the crown is wrapped with a 3/8” wide strip of fine black ribbon, which in turn is surrounded with its original cavalry hat cord of two, 3/8” diameter strands of yellow worsted. Hat cord terminates in a pair of two-inch long tassels. Cord is clean, free of fraying and in great condition. Top of hat is slightly curved across the crown. Hat brim is 3” wide and features two rows of fine, black silk evenly sewn along the brim outer edge as called for in enlisted models.

Brim is looped up on the hat’s left side indicative of mounted troops and is anchored with the large, brass spread-winged eagle hat insignia. Exterior front face of crown exhibits a 1” high, brass letter “G”, pinned through the material and turned back. Below the numeral is an original brass cavalry insignia of crossed sabers with blades up and pinned through the material. All brass pieces have acquired a mellow, pleasing light bronze patina, never cleaned. Secured to the hat’s right side exterior is a fine condition, black ostrich plume used a decorative trimming. Hat interior features no lining save for a 2 3/8” high sweatband of dark Moroccan leather in good overall condition. A circular piece of black oilcloth is glued to the inside top of the crown and exhibits a finely stamped, spread-winged eagle below a pennant labeled “U.S. ARMY”. A large numeral “6” is below the eagle and denotes the hat size. All above stenciling is in gold-colored ink.

Early war, Federal Army headgear such as this very fine 1858 pattern cavalry “Hardee Hat” are very scarce today in any condition. This wonderful cavalry specimen is a very fine collectible and would enhance any collection of military headgear.

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