Chapeau-bras

[major bill]

One of the least seen Civil War era headgear in images is the chapeau-brass a.k.a. chapeau-de-bras. It seems like all the U.S. services wore these up to and after the Civil War. This style of bicorns were worn fore-and-aft by the time of the Civil War. The Civil War Army version was a more modern style than older Army chapeau-bras and here is the "modern" Civil War style.

These were not usually worn in combat during the Civil War and those that had them saved them for wear at dress occasions. After the Civil War the Army and Navy adopted an even more modern style. This style of hat should not be confused with the Marine fore-and-aft cap worn in the 20th century.

 

[major bill]

 

[major bill]

It should be noted that the term "chapeau-brass a.k.a. chapeau-de-bras, a.k.a. chapeau du brass" was referred to in 1861 in Army Regulations as " a light French chapeau" . Modern uniform studiers would call it a chapeau and would see a chapeau- de-bras as a separate style of bicorn. The shorter 1861 pattern replaced the antiquated looking styles that had been worn in the years leading up to the Civil War.

The first person to help some of our less informed forum members understand the difference between a chapeau and a chapeau-de-bras will be my smart forum member of the day.

The post Civil War chapeau was a bit more modern looking than the Civil War chapeau but to our modern eyes both looked old fashioned.

 

[rebed19th]

A chapeau would apply to any style hat, A chapeau -de -bras is military head wear that would be used for by officer during dress occasions. Thats my best description.

 

[major bill]

A chapeau would apply to any style hat, A chapeau -de -bras is military head wear that would be used for by officer during dress occasions. Thats my best description.

You are partly right. However, what I am talking about are U.S. Army headwear. The term "chapeau" is used for one style of U.S. Army bicorn while the term "chapeau-de-bras" is generally used for a similar but slightly different style of U.S. Army bicorn. I am not certain that in 1861 if the above terms were used for two similar styles of cocked hats (bicorn).

 

[Billw12280]

It should be noted that the term "chapeau-brass a.k.a. chapeau-de-bras, a.k.a. chapeau du brass" was referred to in 1861 in Army Regulations as " a light French chapeau" . Modern uniform studiers would call it a chapeau and would see a chapeau- de-bras as a separate style of bicorn. The shorter 1861 pattern replaced the antiquated looking styles that had been worn in the years leading up to the Civil War.

View attachment 195782

The first person to help some of our less informed forum members understand the difference between a chapeau and a chapeau-de-bras will be my smart forum member of the day.

The post Civil War chapeau was a bit more modern looking than the Civil War chapeau but to our modern eyes both looked old fashioned.

A chapeau is a plain hat and a chapeau de bras is a hat designed to be folded for carrying under the arm.

 

[major bill]

A chapeau is a plain hat and a chapeau de bras is a hat designed to be folded for carrying under the arm.

I think we have a winner.

 

[UCVRelics]

I went nuts when the US Army went to the black beret, I would have deserted before wearing this hat.

 

[major bill]

I was not fond of the black beret. I also never liked the floppy hat much. I also did not much care for the garrison cap. In general I liked the field cap or the helmet. As MPs we had to wear that white cap or helmet liner with "MP" on it.