This wonderful piece of headgear just came out of a hidden hoard of militaria in Boston. All the items were collected for decades exclusively within the State of Massachusetts; accordingly, we can state with certainty that this officer's high crowned Model 1858 forage cap was worn by a member of the 9th Massachusetts Regiment of Irish volunteers. See this link (9th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War).

This early war high quality officer's forage cap is made of Navy-blue wool broadcloth. It is 7 inches high up the back seam and 4 1/2 inches high in front. The top disc is 5 1/2 inches in diameter. There are no insect damage or tears.  Sewn to the front is a gold bullion infantry horn that measures 3 1/2 inches across by 2 1/4 inches high including its black cloth backing. Inside the horn is a now tarnished false embroidered metal number "9". There is a 1/2-inch Patent leather chinstrap that has a stamped brass rectangular buckle. This strap was weak in a couple of places and has been stabilized by our "in-house" restorer. The strap is held firmly by 2 brass eagle staff buttons. The Patent leather thick bill or peak is 2 inches in depth, and it is bound on its perimeter. The interior of the cap is lined in green/ black silk over raw cotton. This lining is shredding in places from age but remains 70% intact. The sweat band is fully present and is just over 1 inch high; it is top stitched.

This cap has "IT"; that is the untouched uncleaned yet right out of the attic look. The officer who wore this was in a spectacular unit that served at among many other battles: 2nd Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor.  [pe][ph:L]

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