Union General’s Hardee Hat / SOLD

Wonderful Civil War general officer’s Hardee hat. The rim to crown measures 5 ½”. The brim is bound with silk edging and is complete with three black ostrich feathers, leather sweatband, dark red polished cotton lining with faded gilt manufacturer’s mark, gold bullion cord ending with two acorns: 3 ½” by 2 ½” 1858 pattern general staff insignia with embroidered gold bullion wreath and silver “U.S.” and twisted gilt brass wire border on black velvet. The side of the crown has a 2 3/8” by 3” 1858 pattern eagle officer insignia with gold bullion eagle and silver stars on black velvet shield and twisted gilt brass wire border. The eagle’s eye and tongue are enhanced with red thread. The gold cords without black silk indicate use by a general, as per 1861 Federal regulations. Two small holes near the brim’s right edge suggest this is where the brim was originally pinned. An exceptional piece of Civil War officer’s headgear. 

Inventory Number: UNI 125 / SOLD