OUTSTANDING CONDITION PLUG OR SHERIDAN HAT OF A UNION CAVALRY OFFICER – GEORGE WASHINGTON HORTON, 3RD ILLINOIS CAVALRY

OUTSTANDING CONDITION PLUG OR SHERIDAN HAT OF A UNION CAVALRY OFFICER – GEORGE WASHINGTON HORTON, 3RD ILLINOIS CAVALRY

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$5,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1284-61

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George Washington Horton enlisted in the 3rd Illinois Cavalry at Woodland, Illinois, and mustered in on August 26, 1861, with Company "H" as a 1st Sergeant. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on December 31, 1861, and again promoted to 1st Lieutenant on July 16, 1862. When the regiment reorganized in 1862, he was designated by the War Department to remain in command serving as 1st Lieutenant of Company B in the 3rd (Consolidated) Illinois Cavalry. He officially resigned from his commission on May 22, 1865. During Lt. Horton's tenure, the 3rd Illinois Cavalry participated in several crucial campaigns that included The Battle of Pea Ridge, The Siege of Vicksburg, The Battles of Franklin and Nashville and innumerable other operations.

One of the most difficult items of Civil War headgear to obtain is the so-called "plug hat" with its distinctive rounded crown and wide brim. The crown when depressed by the owner, as it now is, has transformed it to the flatter topped Sheridan type. This very popular form of slouch hat is seen extensively in period photography yet only a handful of original specimens survive today.  This rare survivor was worn by Lieutenant George Washington Horton. The hat's condition is exemplary exhibiting no insect damage or tears! The superior quality black felt hat has a 3-inch-wide brim, and this has a 1/4-inch-wide ribbed silk grosgrain binding that like the entire hat is hand sewn into place. Around the base is a twisted gilt and black and gold silk hat cord as per regulations, which retains both of the two "acorn" tips at the end; these show minor loss. The rounded crown rises 4 inches. On the front is sewn a 3 inch by 2 inch wide, tin-backed black velvet oval patch upon which are gold metallic embroidered crossed cavalry sabers. Above these is a silver embroidered "3". On the right side is a thick black silk rosette surmounted by an officer's eagle "C" button of cuff size. There is a remnant of the original black ostrich feather intact. Inside is a 2-inch-high thin leather sweatband with a micro-waffle pattern. It is all hand whip stitched into place and 100% intact. Inside in period script is written "G. W. HORTON".   While showing minor period wear, the overall condition of this rarity is superb.    [pe][ph:L]

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