This cavalry cap insignia has been personalized by the addition of a silvered numeral “2” attached by a wire soldered to the intersection of the crossed sabers. Initially intended just for the army dress or Hardee hat, the crossed sabers, like the infantry hunting horn and artillery crossed cannons, were quickly adapted for use on fatigue caps, kepis and all sorts of non-regulation headgear as well. As issued, the insignia only indicated the branch of service. Regimental and company affiliation had to be shown by separately affixed numerals and letters, most often in brass, but sometimes silvered, as here. All four soldered fastening loops are present on the reverse of the crossed sabers to fasten it with narrow leather thongs. Attaching the number to it is an easy way of keeping both elements uniformly positioned on the hat and avoids one more hole that had to be made in the fabric. The army only caught onto it officially in the 1870s.

The brass and lead solder shows oxidation on the reverse. The face shows a muted patina with a few traces of gilt. The silvering is still strong, with a few small age or wear spots. The fastening loops are present on the reverse.    [sr]

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