The largest of the Civil War veterans’ organizations, the Grand Army of the Republic had its own uniform regulations, specifications for swords and equipment, badges, etc. Headgear usually took the form of a natty version of the Civil War forage cap, or the more comfortable and practical slouch hat. These were made and marketed by a large number of firms. This one bears a trademark on its sweatband reading “The Allegash.” The sweatband is in place, though with some loose stitching, and showing some wear, with a couple of tears, but nothing too bad and just enough to show the veteran wore it. The exterior has good color, no holes, and no stains. The grosgrain hatband is in place and the original, twisted black and gold G.A.R. hat cord with acorn finials is in good condition with good color, slight fading to the black but very nice color to the gold.

The G.A.R. was a powerful organization with significant political influence, holding their first meeting in 1866 and reached a peak in membership, over 400,000, in 1890. Their last national meeting was in 1949 and the organization was officially dissolved with the death of its last member in 1956. This is a nice example of their uniform headgear and a telling memento of a vanished generation.  [sr]

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