Recently found in Boston in a "sleeper" hoard of Civil War items comes this enlisted man's cap. The uniforms of the 2nd New Hampshire were gray, a choice made based on their pre-war militia uniforms. The gray uniforms were worn in the first year of the wore and notably at the First Battle of Bull Run. Please click on this link for more details on this organization (A history of the Second regiment, New Hampshire volunteer infantry, in the war of the rebellion : Haynes, Martin A. (Martin Alonzo), 1845-1919 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive). Additionally refer to Don Troiani's outstanding book, REGIMENTS & UNIFORMS OF THE CIVIL WAR, page 29.

This wool broadcloth was cap once gray but over time has oxidized to a light "butternut" color. Its height up the back is 4 inches, while in front it is 3 1/8 inches high. The inset disc on top is 4 3/4 inches in diameter. Around the base of the kepi is a red broadcloth band 1 inch high. On the top center is a field adapted brass vent hole that facilitates the flow of air. There is a restored and backed hole on the front left top near the crown about 3/4-inch diameter. There is a small moth hole less than 1 inch diameter at the back of the top disc. The Patent leather, early war, bill is 2 inches deep and bound with a bead blackened oil cloth; this peak is 7 inches across. The chin strap and buttons are missing. The interior is full lined in brown, turned from black, polished cotton. The dark brown leather sweat band is 1 /2 inches high with a thin cord running its top circumference. It is 100% intact and hand sewn into place. Written on the inside left is "2nd NH"; we assume by a previous owner in modern times.

This 2nd New Hampshire attributed kepi is a great rarity and was with certainty was worn at the Battle of Bull Run in July of 1861.   [pe][ph:L]

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