This style of GAR cap was inspired by the changing styles of military and civilian headgear around the turn of the 19^th Century – eventually seen in greater numbers among veteran photos in later photographs in favor of some of the Kepis and Slouch Hats that had been the prevalent caps/hats of the GAR uniform for so long.

The body of the cap is made of fine, dark blue wool broadcloth trimmed along the brim in black braided tape. Two, small GAR buttons hold a decorative gold braided hat cord, which accent the GAR wreath insignia at center front. The visor is complete and in good condition, made of patent leather joined to a green lacquered cloth-covered board.  They are joined and bound by a stitched length of leather “tape”.  Two ventilation holes can be seen on either side of the crown.

An original tag lists the size at 7 1/8 and remains pasted on the light brown leather sweatband.  The band is stitched to the brim, with some having pulled loose or been severed – mostly in the rear (band is still secure).  A penned named on the sweatband may correspond to the maker’s label and reads “E. R. Coffman”.  The name is at least a partial match to the available records of two Philadelphia area soldiers – Ervin Coffman of the 176^th PA Infantry and Erwin Coffman of the 198^th PA Infantry.  A silvered manufacturer’s label on the cotton lining of the crown reads “B. B. ABRAHAMS / ARMY AND NAVY BAND / UNIFORMS / 505 MARKET ST. PHILADELPHIA”.  The cap measures roughly 7.35” across the sweatband, and 9” across the crown.

An excellent addition to any Civil War Veteran or GAR collection.  [cm][ph:L]

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