This article of United States Army headgear is an early period, black felt hat that was referred to as a 'bicorn' or 'chapeau de bras'. Like most American uniforms of that period, this hat followed the French / Napoleonic influence in design. Worn by all line and staff officers of the army, this type chapeau was worn at a slight angle or 'sideways' atop the head.

Produced in the early 1820's, the officer's chapeau is constructed of stiff black beaver felt and has a 7½" high, steeply curved, 18" long upright front brim. The rounded crown, hidden by the front facing, is backed by an 8½" high, crescent shaped, 18" long back brim. Front upright brim is decorated with a circular cockade disc of fine, black, silk, 6½" in diameter that is secured to the felt. A double-row of ¾" wide, black-lace braiding is centered on the cockade and features a thin, spread-winged brass eagle insignia facing to his right, with a set of five arrows in his left talon and an olive branch in his right talon.

Inside edge of the hat crown exhibits the original 2½" wide black leather sweatband that is in very good condition with just few tears. Tattered remains of beige-colored silk used as a liner inside the crown. No maker's stamp or mark visible. Black felt surface of the hat is stiff but faded with areas of moderate soiling and grime. Bottom right corner of the front brim has a 1½" x 1" section missing. Front brim top edge has a 4" long felt section crudely repaired with tape and hand-stitching. A 1½" long section of felt is missing at the brim behind the cockade. Also visible is a period stitching repair at the lower right corner.

This surviving article of U.S. military headdress worn by American officers in the early part of the 1800's is an original uniform specimen that would make a fitting addition to any collection of U.S. Army headgear.