This is a very nice example of the slouch hat worn by members of the Grand Army of the Republic, the foremost organization of Union veterans. Constructed of a deep bluish-black wool, the style is similar to some wartime slouch hats, but with a narrower brim. The hat has a wide silk band on the exterior that shows just some minor rubs and abrasions around the knot on the wearer’s left side. The edge is very good, with a narrow binding and stitched reinforcement lines. A GAR hat cord imitating the wartime officer’s intertwined gold and black cord with acorn ends is in place, as it the stamped brass GAR hat badge with gilt brass wreath and silver colored G.A.R. in the center. There are a couple of very minor spots of light verdigris on the lower right of the wreath.

The interior of the hat is good, but the sweatband is long gone. A paper size label reading “7 3/8” survives at the center rear of the hat survives, where it would have been shielded by the sweatband.

These hats were proudly worn by veterans and were instantly recognizable at parades, commemorations and public ceremonies for about three-quarters of a century until the passing of the last members in the 1950s.  [sr]

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