This enlisted man’s forage cap is in overall good condition. The exterior is blue wool cloth which has several areas of moth damage. Working around the cap we will start at the front. Just under the disk is a “T” shaped moth hole that meas. approx. 1.00 inch across by 1.00 inch down the shaft of the “T.” There are a few satellite holes but nothing major. Most of this will not be seen when the cap is displayed with the front falling forward as it should. Moving to the right side we find only two small pinholes a good distance apart. Moving to the back four small holes and two medium bites are seen. Near the base there is a hole that meas. approx. 0.50 inch x 1.25 inches. To the right of this is a small separation. These lower holes are more noticeable because they expose the buckram in the lining. Moving to the left side of the cap there are five small moth holes. Two are near the base and are more visible because of the buckram on the inside. The largest hole on this side is also near the bottom and meas. approx. 0.50 inch x 0.75 of an inch. The disk at the top of the cap is perfect. There are no holes of any kind. At center of the disk is a stamped brass Infantry hunting horn insignia and the stamped brass numbers “110.” The numbers meas. approx. 0.75 of an inch in height. The side buttons are both General Service Eagle buttons and the chinstrap is complete with both sliders and brass keepers. The chinstrap and the leather visor have some light crazing on the surfaces.

The interior has a complete sweatband and a brown polished cotton lining. The sweatband has some moderate surface dirt and discoloration from age, use and storage but it is 100% intact and is still pliable enough to fold down while searching for an ID. The polished cotton lining is perfect with no signs of any separations and only light surface dirt. The inside of the disk shows that the Infantry horn is held in place by loops that were bent over and the numbers are held by two small strips of leather and an old straight pin that looks to be proper for the period. Best of all is the original paper maker’s label is still attached to the bottom of the disk. It clearly reads “GEO. HOFF & CO. PHILADA. NO. 4=7 1/8.” George Hoff & Co. had contracts for forage caps as early as 1861 and made them throughout the war.

Despite the moth bites this cap will display well when properly formed by a display head or filled with acid free paper.

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