This is a good original example of the regulation classic forage cap or “bummer cap” of the Union soldier in the Civil War. Adopted in 1858, these followed French military fashions of the period and were essentially shorter versions of the prewar shako as it would look after wear and exposure to the elements had removed any stiffening. This falls into the Type-II classification now used by some collectors, indicating the cap has a flat, rather than crescent visor and a wider top giving it a boxier look. This used to be thought a contractor variation, but makers such as Phillips produced both styles.

The color of the body is very good and the seams are intact. The top shows a 1 ¾” x ¾” size spot of moth damage that has been backed. The front and wearer’s right side of the cap show scattered small moth nips, mostly lower down, and a rectangular piece of fabric placed on the exterior to better secure the chinstrap button. The left shows three small spots and one slightly larger that have been backed and some spots of wear to the nap. The lower back left shows a good number of small moth nips, some wear to the nap, and a half-dozen small spots that have been backed. Collectors have noticed this is a common spot for moth damage, likely attracted by sweat and oil transferred from the soldier’s hand while smoothing down the back of the cap when putting it on. The brown polished cotton lining looks good. There is no maker’s label present. The sweatband looks good, but might be a replacement, as might be the side buttons and chinstrap, which uses the single standing loop and fixed buckle frequently seen on private purchase caps and occasionally on caps by contract makers.

This cap shows a number of legitimate repairs and is a good representative example of the standard Union soldier’s cap for fatigue wear, that became the common headgear for campaign and battle. Probably every soldier had one at some point and most had several. Despite massive production they were useful as workman’s caps after the war and are never easy to find. [sr] [ph:m]

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