The body of the kepi is dark blue and is in very good condition with one or two minor moth nips and some light moth tracking. The tracking seems to be confined to the back bottom edge. These kepis were issued under a General Order of May 16, 1863 and the accepted piping colors were white, scarlet, orange or green. There is a very thin band of piping surrounding the kepi approx. 1.25 inches from the base. The disc is also outlined with piping and there is a line of the same running up the back. To the naked eye this piping looks to be faded gold but we believe it is white that has changed color from dirt and age. It is also possible that it is faded orange.

Side buttons are domed “Excelsior” buttons. Instead of a chinstrap there is a thin band of black cloth. On the front of the kepi, below the line of piping, there is a false embroidered white metal “39.” These numbers meas. approx. 0.50 inch in size. Above the numbers is a New York Excelsior eagle and shield. This brass plate meas. approx. 2.00 inches from the bottom edge to the tip of the eagle’s head. This is surmounted by a circular red, white and blue pompon per regulations. There is some wear to the cloth where the base of the pompon passes through the cap. The anchor for the pompon on the inside of the cap is missing which has caused it to sway back and forth and wear the material some in this area.

Visor is in good condition with only light crazing. The cap really displays well and is very attractive. It just needs a good brushing. The brown polished cotton lining is almost all the way out. It is complete but is only attached by a few threads in the back. The lining is gathered at the top in a circle leaving a hole exposing the base of the disc that is covered with a black leather material. The sweatband is black leather and is complete with some light wear.

The 39^th New York was one of the more colorful regiments in the Army of the Potomac. Their uniforms originally had a distinctive Italian flare. Despite the name of “Garibaldi Guards” the regiment was made up of men from all over Europe who came to the US as immigrants before the war. There were Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Hungarians, Swiss and Portuguese. The 39^th New York spent most of its enlistment in the Army of the Potomac. In the midst of their service they were assigned to the defenses of Washington as well. However, they returned to the army in time for Gettysburg where they served as a part of the 3^rd Division, 2^nd Corps. During the fighting on July 3^rd they were not far from the area where Pickett’s Charge hit the Union line. They were afterward transferred to the 1^st Division of the 2^nd Corps where they remained to the end of the war. They were truly hard fought veterans of the Army of the Potomac.