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A SUPERB, IDENTIFIED, MODEL 1858 CAVALRY OFFICER'S HAT – JOHN MARTIN, 1ST MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY
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$9,875.00 ON HOLD
Quantity Available: 1
Item Code: 1284-10
This belonged to Private to Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant John Martin of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. Please click on the following link for the history of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry (1st Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment in the Civil War). And their regimental history (A history of the First regiment of Massachusetts cavalry volunteers : Crowninshield, Benjamin W. (Benjamin William), 1837-1892 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive). The regiments most notable fight was at Aldie Virginia in the summer of 1863. Please follow this link (Emerging Civil War). Sergeant John Martin distinguished himself at Aldie early in the Gettysburg Campaign and as a result of his conduct then and subsequently he was promoted to acting 2nd lieutenant in the summer of 1864. In September of 1864 he was officially commissioned a 2nd lieutenant and in December a 1st lieutenant. He participated in no less than 16 engagements after his official promotion.
Definitely showing field use we date this officer's Model 1858 "US felt hat" to within that dramatic 6-month period.
THE OFFICER'S HAT: This hat is the finest quality and a "private purchase". It is made of soft black felt. It is bound around the brim with 1/4-inch grosgrain made of a cotton silk blend which is hand sewn into place. Originally black it, the grosgrain, has faded to a dark brown shade. It shows wear but is 99% intact. The brim extends about 3 1/2 inches from the crown of the hat that crown then rises to 5 3/4 inches high. Around its base has a decorative 1/4-inch band of grosgrain. The hat's felt body is about perfect with a small hole at the front of the crown from wear or Lt. Martin pinching it to place on his head. Sewn to the front of the hat is a black felt patch or badge which is 3 inches by 2 1/2 inches. Embroidered into this are crossed sabers surmounted by a 1/2-inch-high silver false embroidered numeral "1". Circling the badge is a roping of gilt wire. The condition is excellent. Below the badge are black wool and gold metallic officer's cords. These show very minor losses on the wooden binder (barrel) and the acorns.
On the left front is a black silk cockade surmounted by a large cavalry officer's "C" button. Extending out from this and wrapping around the hat is an ostrich feather that is full bodied and 16 inches long. It is absolutely period. The left side of the brim is "tacked" up and held firmly in place by an exquisite 3 inch by 2 1/2 eagle officer's badge (Hardee type). The eagle is in high (stump work) relief with the US shield on its breast and its elaborate decorations of arrows, stars, laurels and clouds are embroidered, and sequined. A roping of metallic wire runs along the circumference. The rear of the badge has 2 brass loops that pierce the felt of the hat brim and body. The badge is held fast by a leather thong running through the loops. The condition is perfect. Neither front nor side badges have ever been off this hat and therefore nor have the cords. The interior of this hat has a fully intact hand whipstitched patent brown leather sweat band which is about 2 1/8 inches high and is 100% intact showing honest wear. At one time there would have been a silk lining inside, but it has deteriorated. Glued on the inside on the leather sweat band is a strip of paper. In ink script written upon it is "45" followed by "John Martin". This hat was for years displayed in a GAR Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts before passing into an advanced collector's hands.
Also accompanying this hat, and going to the buyer, is a regimental medal of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. It is gold filled and shows a horseshoe upon rays of a sunburst all on crossed sabers. There was a horse's head surmounting all this, but it has broken off (some filing was done to clean up the break). The yellow ribbon has a brass false embroidered "1" on it that is 1 5/8 inches high. There is a pin for suspension on the back. Also on the back is a glued slip of paper reading: "John Martin".
This wonderful regulation US Model 1858 cavalry officer's hat was worn by a hard fighting dedicated horse soldier. Except for a minor dalliance at Petersburg in early 1865 where he was arrested for leaving his post and visiting a "Miss Bishop" between the picket lines (Maybe wearing this hat? Please see scans), his record was flawless. The best of the best and priced fairly to sell! [pe][ph:L]
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