Opinions on Union Cap Kepi

[mdk220]

All,
would like opinions on the cap/kepi - thanks in advance for your help
mike

 

[Package4]

All,
would like opinions on the cap/kepi - thanks in advance for your help
mike

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There are parts I like about the cap and others I do not. This would have to have been a private purchase cap, but if so, the tag is for issued caps. Private purchase would have been more ornate. The reason I say private purchase is the McDowell style and the sweatband are not typically associated with issue caps. The reed around the crown is way too large. I would have to see this one in person, the sweatband appears to be of brown leather, while the prescribed sweatband was to be of black leather with a crosshatch design, it also appears as if the interior top has had a coat of something over the tag, which is unusual. Really would need to see in person to determine authenticity.

The manufacturer of the cap is Murphy & Griswold, who had federal contracts in 1862 for 205,000 caps and in 63-64 for 378,000 caps, of course these would be for standard issue M1858 Forage Caps.

 

[Package4]

As a follow up to explain what I meant by more ornate are the following pictures of original McDowell forage caps, you can see that they had a stitched lining at the interior crown.

 

[mdk220]

Package4 - thanks so much for your input - that's why I posted this as I'm on the fence.
As you stated - good parts and questionable parts - I will pass on this.
thanks again

 

[Package4]

Package4 - thanks so much for your input - that's why I posted this as I'm on the fence.
As you stated - good parts and questionable parts - I will pass on this.
thanks again

Just remember better caps are coming out in droves, most likely due to the economy, so if there is a question about something, passing is a good idea. Always get an inspection period and if possible, a guarantee. Glad to help!