This is a good example of the brimmed hat worn by members of the Grand Army of the Republic, the largest organization of Union veterans, established in 1866 and dissolved only in 1956 with the death of its last member. It reached a peak membership of over 400,000 in 1890 and was a powerful political force and voice in veterans’ affairs, particularly in the matter of pensions, the establishment of Memorial Day, etc.

These hats were plainly reminiscent of wartime slouch hats and carried a twisted black and gold hat cord with acorn ends similar to the wartime officer’s cord, which is in place on this example. This one also has the metal G.A.R. hat badge consisting of a gilt brass wreath surrounding the letters G.A.R. in silver or white metal, also a throwback to wartime insignia. The hat shows moderate fading from use, but no holes. The black ribbon with tie on the wearer’s left is also in place, showing a small wear spot on the knot. The hat cord shows some fading to the black and muting of the gold tones in the cord, but stronger color on the acorn ends. The sweatband is present inside, but shows some stains and losses along the lower edge and is partially detached on one side. We see no maker’s mark.

This would make a good addition to a G.A.R. collection and if your ancestor was a member of the organization, he probably owned one.  [sr]  [ph:L]

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