Certainly, a ranking officer's fatigue or field service hat of the Model 1858/McDowell Pattern; popularized by General McDowell, this pattern of forage cap was characterized by its tall body and its curved, downturned visor. Like the namesake general's this cap never had braid rank.

The cap is made of fine woolen dark blue broadcloth. If there is insect damage it is negligible. The cap rises 8 inches in back and 4 1/2 inches in front. The disc on top is 5 1/2 inches in diameter. The buttons are Federal staff eagle officer buttons, and they hold fast a 1/2-inch-wide leather chinstrap. The insignia on the front is a gold bullion wreath surrounding a silver bullion stylized "US"; this is on black velvet and measures 2 1/4 inches by 2 inches. The McDowell bill or peak is pressed Patent leather, 2 inches deep and very finely made; it is still pliable. The Interior is full lined with a silk black lining which is fraying in spots but 85% present. The top inside stiffening and waterproofing disc is red Moroccan leather. The leather 1 1/4-inch-high sweat band is invisibly hand whipped into place and is 100% intact.

This is great looking piece of classic Civil War Union headgear is just out of an estate in Boston, and one can safely postulate that the owner was a Massachusetts man. Museum worthy.  [pe][ph:L]

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