Enlisted Forage Cap

Enlisted Forage Cap - Inventory Number: UNI 180

This regulation issue Union army forage cap bears its original paper maker's label on the underside of the top reading, "Size / No.| 3, / 7 3/8 / U.S. Army / LJ & I P." Lewis J. and Isaac Phillips of New York had huge army contracts for caps every year of the war, furnishing some 35,000 in 1861, 175,000 or more in 1862, 251,000 in 1863, 330,200 in 1864, and even 50,000 on a contract of January 1, 1865. From the slightly smaller crown and taller body this is likely from one of their earlier contracts. Derived from the prewar army shakos. Extant caps from this company appear in two main variants with some minor variations exhibited on others. This is currently considered the Type Il variant, having a larger crown disc and squarer brim. Every soldier was likely issued several of these in the course of his service and if there was a typical forage cap, it was likely one by L. J. & I. Phillips.  The color and the fabric are good. There is some minor moth nips and some tracking that does not detract from the look. The top crown has a period field repair at the seam with correct brim thread which measures about 2” long. The chinstrap and buckle are original and held firmly in place, are the correct form, and appear original to the cap with matching patina to the buttons and the chinstrap buckle. The visor has good color, finish, and is firmly attached, as is the goatskin sweatband inside that shiws light use, dork color and the typical impressed cross-hatched pattern, and just light rubbing along the bottom edge with only a slight separation at the seam. The brown polished cotton lining is complete, in place, and shows just light wear. The label is fully legible with slight staining from sweat.

The visor of the cap has some bends that give it a great, field-used look and it displays very, very well. This would be the centerpiece of an soldier’s display and a fine addition to a collection.

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Inventory Number: UNI 180