Civil War Hat Identification

[Bentley]

Hello, Thank you for having this group. I have a Civil War hat and would like to know if anyone can help me with some details about it.
I understand it's "Union" due to the color. Have no idea on the meaning of the "407." From the little background I have, it came from MI.
Do you even think it's real? Thank you.

 

[captaindrew]

Doing a quick search on Browning King and Co. they started in 1868 so it's not Civil War. Might be from a CW veteran's group or post war militia group

 

[captaindrew]

Oh and welcome to the forum

 

[bobinwmass]

A closer look at those side buttons might also help us identify it.

 

[RetiredCanuck]

Any chance it could be a GAR kepi and the 407 is a post #?

 

[captaindrew]

Any chance it could be a GAR kepi and the 407 is a post #?

It's very possible I would guess. A little more on Browning King & Co. I stumbled across. While they started their business in 1868 they did not go by that name until 1881 so that dates this cap at least 81 or later. As already said a good close up of the button may help. Maybe @Package4 could help.

 

[Package4]

It's very possible I would guess. A little more on Browning King & Co. I stumbled across. While they started their business in 1868 they did not go by that name until 1881 so that dates this cap at least 81 or later. As already said a good close up of the button may help. Maybe @Package4 could help.

That was my guess as well, a GAR hat with the post number on the front, as Drew said the buttons will help.

 

[Bentley]

Doing a quick search on Browning King and Co. they started in 1868 so it's not Civil War. Might be from a CW veteran's group or post war militia group

Thank you, good point about the dates. That makes sense.

 

[Bentley]

That was my guess as well, a GAR hat with the post number on the front, as Drew said the buttons will help.

I will check the hat again. I think one of the buttons is missing.

 

[Bentley]

I took a closer look at the button. It looks like North and South America.
The button on the right side is gone. I only have the button on the left side.

 

[Package4]

I took a closer look at the button. It looks like North and South America.
The button on the right side is gone. I only have the button on the left side.View attachment 518604

View attachment 518603

So it would appear as if it is the Western Hemisphere?

 

[Library Lady]

Could that button possibly be this?

Product Detail

 

[captaindrew]

Could that button possibly be this?

Product Detail

Looks like a winner! Would be the right timframe.

 

[Bentley]

This is amazing. Thank you so much.

 

[RedRover]

Thats really neat.

Here's one of the World's Columbian Guard uniform coats...

And the badge...

 

[R. Porter]

That's great! Another amazing ID! They had a neat short sword that was as sharp as a wakizashi. I'd post a picture of mine but I don't have access to it right now. So I'll post some pics on curator.org

CURATOR.ORG | WCE Guard Sword 1893 Chicago World Columbian Exposition Rare 1707

WCE Guard Sword 1893 Chicago World Columbian Exposition Rare 1707. You are looking at a rare sword. This is a Brass and Steel Blade Exposition Guard's Sword from the World's Fair Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, 1893. This sword was made specifically for the Chicago 1893 World Columbian...

curator.org

 

[RedRover]

Here's some photographs of World Columbian Guardsmen with their caps, etc.

A good view of the front badge, pompom, and chin-strap:

 

[Bentley]

Thank you all. I was doing some research as well, saw some of the same photos. It's so exciting, and I could not have done this without your help. I'm beyond grateful. I will continue trying to find a list of names, if available....,