This style cap, with the tall body and very short visor, was termed the “McDowell” pattern because Major General Irvin McDowell, who led the Union Army at 1st Bull Run, favored this style cap. The example we offer here is in excellent condition externally. The body is near perfect. The only drawback is that the blue material has faded to a greenish-brown. The seams up the back, around the disc and in front are perfect. The chinstrap has both keepers and metal slider. Side buttons are three-piece US Staff Officer buttons. One button shows signs of having been reattached. Very short visor with surface crazing, which is common.

Interior has brown cotton lining with moderate wear throughout. This wear is in the form of numerous small stress spots. The inside front is effected the most. This is due to the build up of moisture from sweating. The front half of the sweatband is missing exposing the cardboard stiffener in the base and the crude stitching holding the visor in place. The back half of the sweatband is present but split in one area. This sweatband is not as wide as those found on Government issued caps. Also, the lining is stitched with a fancy circular pattern under the disc. This is another feature not found in issue caps. Overall this is a nice condition used cap.