VERY FINE, CIVIL WAR FEDERAL CAVALRY 1858 PATTERN “HARDEE” HAT

$3,500.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 282-440

Offered here is an original example of a complete, Pattern 1858, Federal enlisted cavalryman’s hat. Commonly referred to as the “Hardee Hat.”

Though somewhat bulky, this specimen of U.S. Army head gear is in very fine condition overall and still retains an original yellow hat cord in addition to 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 6” high. Wrapped around the base of the crown is a narrow strip of black ribbon. Over that is the yellow hat cord made of two wraps of yellow worsted wool terminating in two-inch long tassels. Brim is 3” wide and features two rows of fine, black thread sewn along the outer edge as called for in enlisted models. There are several well-done repairs located around the top edge of the crown. Otherwise, the black felt is in very good condition.

Brim is pinned up on the hat’s left side with a large, sheet brass, spread-winged eagle device hat insignia, a.k.a. the Jeff Davis hat pin. The front face of crown exhibits the brass cavalry “crossed sabers” insignia with a 1” high brass number “6” situated above. All brass furniture has acquired a mellow patina. And all of the brass “decorations” are attached through the felt and are held in place by small leather thongs or simply by having the loops/wires bend over.

The crown interior is not lined but features a 2.5” 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 gold-stamped label: “U.S. ARMY / [Eagle and shield motif] / extra / MANUFACTURE / 3”. Markings show light wear around edges. Restoration work of the crown top edges is visible inside.

Federal Army ‘Hardee hats’ such as this 1858 pattern cavalry specimen are scarce today in any condition. Here is a very fine piece of Civil War headgear to highlight any military collection.  [jet] [ph:L]

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