Collector and curator of his own world renown Texas Civil War Museum, Mr. Ray Richey, spent a considerable amount of money in 1991 having this Model 1858 "Bummer's Cap" or "Army Cap" forensically examined and subsequently stabilized so it had to have been a favorite of his! To the compiler this looks like a product of Murphy and Griswold of New York City who had several wartime contracts from 1862 to 1864 (We have another cap at hand with an M & G. NY label inside that is virtually identical). This to my mind is an early war cap whomever of the sundry Northern contractors made it, basic but a classic. Made of dark blue Kersey the front rises to 5 inches and the rear is 7 inches. The top disc is 6 inches in diameter and bears on it 2 crossed stamped brass artillery cannon. These are 3 1/2 inches long and are firmly affixed and appear to have been so affixed during the Civil War. The exterior condition of the cap is excellent with a very few tiny holes and no tears. There is an adjustable patten leather chinstrap with a stamped brass decorative buckle that is held in place by 2 enlisted man's eagle buttons with tin backs. The patten leather bill or peak is 1/8th inch thick (which is thicker than most and stiffer than most) is 2 inches deep and 6 1/2 inches across.

The interior leather sweat band is 99% intact but has lost 90% of its finished surface leaving it a tan buff color and feel. The brown, originally black, polished cotton lining has been netted to preserve the 75% of it that was there. This work was done by world famous restorer Fonda G. Thomsen. Her restoration reports and all forensics pass to the buyer. Also going to the buyer is the original Texas Civil War Museum display card which reads: "Model 1858 Forage Cap  The crossed cannon insignia on this forage cap indicates that it was worn by an artillery enlisted man. It is identical to the forage caps worn by privates, corporals, and sergeants in the infantry and cavalry". A very fine cap.   [pe][ph:L]

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