Help identifying Gar Kepi Hat

[Brodie77]

thank you for all the help

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome to CivilWarTalk.
I'm sure someone can identify the kepi.

 

[Frederick14Va]

Its actually an earlier 1834 Shako Eagle plate... mostly likely added on for the flash and coolness factor...

Each state had their own numbering system for GAR posts... Most times one finds a cap with a post number but unknown what state it originated from... In this case we know its Pennsylvania.... Pennsylvania GAR Post-36 was in Saltsburg Pa and was mustered in 1877 and disbanded in 1918

Eagle insignia above..

Eagle - 1834 pattern

Eagle - 1821 pattern

 

[Patrick H]

Welcome from Missouri. I can't identify your cap, but I think it's a neat artifact.

 

[Brodie77]

Its actually an earlier 1834 Shako Eagle plate... mostly likely added on for the flash and coolness factor...

Each state had their own numbering system for GAR posts... Most times one finds a cap with a post number but unknown what state it originated from... In this case we know its Pennsylvania.... Pennsylvania GAR Post-36 was in Saltsburg Pa and was mustered in 1877 and disbanded in 1918

Wow finally found it, you are awesome!! Thank you very much. Is there a certain identification book that you used or one you can recommend? Or are you just that smart?

 

[Brodie77]

Its actually an earlier 1834 Shako Eagle plate... mostly likely added on for the flash and coolness factor...

Each state had their own numbering system for GAR posts... Most times one finds a cap with a post number but unknown what state it originated from... In this case we know its Pennsylvania.... Pennsylvania GAR Post-36 was in Saltsburg Pa and was mustered in 1877 and disbanded in 1918

Also do you know the years or how long they made this specific Eagle plate? So i roughly know the age. Thanks

 

[bdtex]

What does "GAR" stand for?

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Grand Army of the Republic.

It was the Union veterans organization.

 

[major bill]

What kind of buttons are on the side or the cap?

 

[bdtex]

Grand Army of the Republic.

It was the Union veterans organization.

Immediately postwar?

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Immediately postwar?

Yep, founded 1866.
http://www.suvcw.org/?page_id=167

 

[major bill]

Does anyone know when the GAR adopted this style of cap?

 

[Package4]

I have recently been trying to collect some civil war related items. I got this hat and am wondering what the eagle plate exactly is. I know it has modern thread so maybe it was just sewn on there as a cobb job to look cool? Is it just an Indian Wars Shako plate? Any information/identification on this would be great. Also i have purchased a few civil war books. Marc Newman - Civil War Knives, Don troianis regiments and uniforms, Harold Peterson - The american sword. Any other identification books that would be good buys i would appreciate which ones also as i am just starting and trying to learn as much information as i can. Thanks


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It is actually the cap insignia, 1821 Pattern, Light Artillery, Enlisted ca 1864, these were made by Horstmann for the 1864 pattern Light Artillery dress caps. The wings are shorter, body thicker and holds the 3 arrows and olive branch closer than the originals. There were many variations of this 3" insignia; the originals were cockade eagles and about 1-3/4" in width ca. 1821-1831

 

[major bill]

I have a large library of reference books about military uniforms and can suggest any number of books. A lot depends on if you are asking about uniforms, insignia or weapons. For Civil War uniforms you might want: Army Blue The Uniforms of Uncle Sam's Regulars 1848-1873 by John P. Langellier (you might find a used copy for around $45). This covers the U.S. Army very well but skips militia uniforms. I find American Military Equipage 1851 -1872 by Frederick P. Todd very useful as well, but it is a bit dated and new information has been discovered. You will want the 2nd printing which was done in two volumes (out of print and rather expensive at perhaps $80 per volume used) but if you are rich go for the four volume 1st printing with the extra color plates (perhaps $250 for the set when and if you can find a set). Todd covers militia uniforms fairly well. For headgear I would highly suggest U.S. Army Headgear 1812-1872 by John P. Langellier and C. Paul Loane (a bit pricey at $70 but will save you purchasing several books on the subject). I find United States Army Headgear 1855-1902 by Edger M. Howell useful, especially for quick references to Army regulations about headgear. (kind of rare but a used paperback copy should go for $15 or so). If you are interested in insignia I would suggest you do a book search for books by William Emerson (unless you are very serious I would skip his book on chevrons which goes for $350-$500 used, when and if you can find it, I have told Mr. Emerson that I was outraged by the cost of his used books). There is a new book about GAR insignia and uniforms, but I have not purchased a copy and the name escapes me.

If you are interested in Confederate uniforms, Marine Corps uniforms or Naval uniforms send me a PM and I can make some suggestions.

 

[Package4]

 

[57Medic]

I recently bought this as a "Civil War" era Marine Shako plate, but cannot find this exact one, perhaps someone can help. I scoured the web, but came up snake eyes. Also unsure the "M" stands for Marines?

 

[mofederal]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri located on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River. A great looking kepi. thanks for posting this one.

 

[Package4]

I am away from home, but will research when I return, would you please post a pic of the back?

 

[WJC]

Welcome! Thanks for posting photos of your kepi: the exchange was quite enlightening! I look forward to your perspective in our discussions! Enjoy!

 

[Package4]

I recently bought this as a "Civil War" era Marine Shako plate, but cannot find this exact one, perhaps someone can help. I scoured the web, but came up snake eyes. Also unsure the "M" stands for Marines?

The insignia is the standard 1821 cap eagle and due to the definition and the silver, that appear on the eagle, it dates from 1840-1850. These were worn on the tall cylindrical shakos during that decade. The Marine Corps was known to have used these after 1840. Is the wingspan 3" or 5"?