We refer you to the book Echoes of Glory Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy by Time-Life Books, 1991, and pages 170-171 under title: In a Personal Style. Here shown are several well documented hats of unusual design worn by Confederates. Most are inspired by civilian hats of the mid-19th century. One worn by 1st Lieutenant Burgwyn of the 35th North Carolina is virtually identical in form and function to our offering.

The cap offered comes out of a Confederate collection of no small significance. It was discovered in North Carolina in an estate, and it was claimed by the finder that it was worn by a Confederate North Carolina soldier. The cap, both hand and machine sewn, is made of black wool Kersey or broadcloth. The peak or bill 3 inches deep is made of the same material but stiffened internally with leather. The entire inside of the hat is lined with cotton, and the sweat band is a charcoal-colored cotton. The hat is trimmed in places with black, turned brown with age, grosgrain. The condition is excellent with a couple of minor tears.

What appear to be re-enforced sides of the cap (held in front by a sewn ribbon) actually folds down and this effectively transforms this hat into a Balaclava, covering the ears and neck leaving the face open. This type of protection had been around for centuries, but not in that exact form that premiered in the Crimean War of the late 19th century. To help British soldiers face the biting cold of Crimea, small makers and loved ones back home typically hand-knitted headdresses that were sent out to the front. Allied troops were famously ill-clothed as their warm clothing, food, and weatherproofing supplies didn’t arrive on time. The term "Balaclava" was coined after the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War fought on 25th October 1854. Balaklava, a small settlement near Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula, became a theater in the Siege of Sevastopol, a wider, year-long battle of the Crimean War. While balaclavas were not worn during the Battle of Balaclava, Balaklava itself became an allied outpost after their victory, and British troops would have been stationed there through the winter, wearing their knitted face coverings to keep warm.

The Civil War 5 years after the close of the Crimean War created a massive demand for such practical headdress among the soldiers. And were worn not only worn in camp but on the battlefield in lieu of other forms of headgear. There exist today photographs of soldiers, Union and Confederate wearing variations such civilian inspired caps. We are confident this cap was Confederate worn based on its background and the collection out of which it came. This would look great displayed with a Confederate coat.  [pe][ph:L]

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