This Model 1872 officer’s cap has a larger size bullion embroidered infantry officer’s cap badge applied to the front, with the hunting horn in gold and the numeral “8” in silver. The use of the hunting horn dates it prior to the change from the hunting horn to crossed rifles to signify infantry in 1875. The cap is the standard configuration, patterned after the low-crown chasseur style kepis that became popular in the latter part of the Civil War. This is a private purchase, commercial style cap, typical of those worn by officers, who had to purchase their own uniforms, gear, weapons, etc., though even a private or NCO desiring a better-quality cap than army issue might also acquire one.

The visor is flat and has a reinforced bound edge. Chinstrap and eagle-I infantry side buttons are in place. Inside, the sweatband is place, as is the ¾ height style lining with drawstring open top showing the glazed stiffener on the underside of the top. The cap shows some pencil point moth nips and one larger repaired tear on the right rear, but is solid, with good seams and color, and shows off very well.

In the early postwar years, during Reconstruction, the 8^th was on duty in North and South Carolina. In 1870 it was in New York and in 1871 four companies went to Chicago until 1872 and then to Utah until being sent to Arizona in 1874. The rest of the regiment was transferred to the Dept. of the Platte in 1872 and posted to Fort Rice and then Fort Russell in Wyoming, with a battalion dispatched to Fort Laramie in early 1874 and assigned to keep the Ogallala Sioux on their reservation. In July 1874 the regiment was sent to Arizona, where it spent the next four years, with various companies assigned to Whipple Barracks, Camp Verde, Fort McDowell, Camp Lowell, Camp Apache, Fort Yuma, and Camp Grant.  [sr] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!