EXCELLENT CIVIL WAR “TYPE-1” REGULATION ISSUE FORAGE OR “BUMMER” CAP BY L.J. & I. PHILLIPS

EXCELLENT CIVIL WAR “TYPE-1” REGULATION ISSUE FORAGE OR “BUMMER” CAP BY L.J. & I. PHILLIPS

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$2,950.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1273-32

This is a top-notch, excellent condition, original Civil War Union army regulation Model 1858 forage cap, complete, with strong color, virtually no moth damage, and still carrying its original makers label on the lining of the underside of the crown, reading: “SIZE / No. 5 / 7 ¼ / U.S. ARMY / L. J. & I. P.” indicating manufacture by the prolific firm of L.J. & I. Phillips.

This style of cap derived from the army shako of the 1850s, which lost its shape from use and exposure to the elements, and morphed into the designated “fatigue” cap in 1858 with the brimmed Army Hat (the “Hardee” or “Jeff Davis” hat) serving for dress, although that distinction was often lost in practice. Resembling the nattier kepi, which had a lower and inset crown, these caps received mixed reviews, but probably every Union soldier was issued one at some point and most would have gone through several.

This the “Type-1” configuration in collector terminology, using a curved, down-turned leather visor and narrower crown than the later “Type-2” configuration larger crown and flatter visor and is complete, with visor, two-piece chinstrap with friction buckle and small size general service eagle side buttons, in place on the exterior and the brown polished cotton lining and the goatskin sweatband in place and secure inside. The fabric is solid, seams are tight, and the dark blue color is strong. We see literally no moth damage.

The paper maker’s label is a tad light, but fully legible and reflects the army’s standard sizing along with the conventional size measurement in inches. The label is well known as that of Lewis J. and Isaac Phillips, the sons of J.D. Phillips, who emigrated from England to the U.S. in 1833 and was in the fur business. They jumped into the military cap business with both feet in 1861, securing large U.S. contracts, as well as selling to state and private groups and subcontracting for caps to others, like Murphy and Childs, who had obtained their own contracts. Their totals for caps in U.S. contracts ran to 35,000 in 1861, 175,000 in 1862, 251,000 in 1863, 330,200 in 1864, and 50,000 in 1865.

If you are looking for the “typical” early war Union soldier’s forage cap, this is it and you will have to look long and hard to find one that even comes close to this for completeness, condition and presentation.   [pe][ph:L]

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