CIVIL WAR U.S. CAVALRY HARDEE HAT

CIVIL WAR U.S. CAVALRY HARDEE HAT

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$4,700.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1273-139

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To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

A very good example of the regulation U.S. Model 1858 Army Hat, known also as the Hardee or Jeff Davis hat, adopted by the new cavalry regiments of 1855 and in 1858 by the entire army. Constructed of stiffened black felt, oxidized very slightly toward brown, this has a tall crown with flat top and bound by a narrow black ribbon around the outside at the base of the crown, and has a wide flat brim reinforced by two lines of stitching near its edge.

As is correct, the hat is unlined and has a tall, thin leather sweatband inside sewn along the bottom edge and a black stiffener on the underside of the top. The stiffener is embossed in gold lettering, “U.S. ARMY” in an arc over an American eagle on US shield with US flag and panoply of arms including a cannon barrel, etc., under which is, “EXTRA / MANUFACTURE” in large letters with number “3” below it, indicating its army standard hat size.

The hat is fitted with set of Civil War regulation stamped brass crossed sabers and yellow worsted wool hat cord with tassels, both indicating cavalry service, and with a regulation black ostrich plume. A stamped brass company letter “A” is placed above the crossed sabers, and the right side of the brim is turned up and secured by a regulation enlisted stamped brass eagle side plate- the arms of the US- an eagle with upraised wings, US shield on its chest, arrow and olive branch in its talons, with an arc of sunbeams rising behind a line of clouds overhead, and a ribbon scroll reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Like the crossed sabers on the front of hat, this is secured on the inside by a leather thong passing through a brass wire loop on its back. The company letter is secured by a simple straight wire crimped over.


The hat has a couple of small repairs meant to stabilize it, but rates very good for condition overall, with no tears, holes or deep creases to the body. The upper edge of crown, frequently the spot for wear if not deep creases or holes from careless grabbing of the hat by its top, shows a short, narrow line of fabric and glue repair on the wearer’s right that is not terribly distracting and could even be further concealed. Inside the hat the thin leather sweat band is in place and full-height, but does show some missing pieces at center rear and along the wearer’s left. The stitching is largely there, but some portions of the sweatband were lightly glued to the hat fabric to keep them in place and prevent further tears or losses. Again, this is nothing obvious and more careful conservation than anything else. Please see our photos.

The Hardee hat is an iconic piece of Civil War headgear that has always been scarce and merits a place in any Civil War collection or uniform display and, needless to say, is a must-have in one focused on mounted troops. Although worn by every branch of service, those worn by cavalry always have a certain extra something, evoking the image of the cavalier and the dashing light cavalry so popular during the period, with their plumes, crossed sabers, and yellow trim. This is a great example with strong eye-appeal.   [sr][ph:L]

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