Type of hat?

[ClintI]

We believe this picture was taken around 1865 of my 2x great grandfather who was in the Union Army through 1864. Can someone help me identify the type of hat and the period? It looks a little like a slouch hat, but the tassel throws me. He also appears to be holding some type of pouch in his right hand, which may indicate this was taken before he left service in 1864.

 

[Kurtlg]

Interesting. He certainly isn't dressed in his Sunday best. To me it looks like his hand is resting on something rather than holding it. It also looks like a suspender might be resting on his thigh. Do you know anything about his military record ?

 

[captaindrew]

It's a plain old slouch hat adorned with an infantry cord like you'd see on a Hardee Hat, sometimes they'd let the tassels hang over the brim, I've seen photos of Confederates with the same. Can't see the pouch too clearly, might be his haversack, looks too tall to be his cartridge box.

 

[ClintI]

Thanks! Good thoughts on his apparel. He was a private in the 68th OVI from 1861-1864. I can sort of see the suspender. He was also a farmer after returning from the war, so it's possible this was taken after he was home.

 

[ClintI]

It's a plain old slouch hat adorned with an infantry cord like you'd see on a Hardee Hat, sometimes they'd let the tassels hang over the brim, I've seen photos of Confederates with the same. Can't see the pouch too clearly, might be his haversack, looks too tall to be his cartridge box.

And thank you for your insight. I guess they could have worn about any kind of hat, especially since he was serving in hospitals during much of 1864 as a nurse or medical corp.

 

[captaindrew]

And thank you for your insight. I guess they could have worn about any kind of hat, especially since he was serving in hospitals during much of 1864 as a nurse or medical corp.

Many preferred a civilian slouch hat, particularly in the western theater. Much more comfortable and practical than an issued forage cap. An unadorned Hardee hat was also a popular choice for Western troops.

 

[captaindrew]

A photo of members of the 125th Ohio, a good example of this preference

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

IMO @ClintI gentleman in your photo is wearing a short brim slouch hat, also known as a pork pie hat.

 

[ClintI]

Thank you Private Joseph!

 

[treebie2000]

And thank you for your insight. I guess they could have worn about any kind of hat, especially since he was serving in hospitals during much of 1864 as a nurse or medical corp.

what was his name and unit?

 

[ClintI]

what was his name and unit?

Daniel R Mounts, 68th OVI, Co K

 

[JackADriscoll]

I like his look. I bet he was a prankster. Good medic

 

[DixieRifles]

Here is a painting of a Confederate Officer wearing a beehive hat. I assumed only the officer would wear the tassel.
Maybe an enlisted man in his company would wear a crude version of a slouch hat and the tassel.
I tried to make me a hat like this for my 1/6 scale artillery "action figure" soldier.

 

[ClintI]

I like his look. I bet he was a prankster. Good medic

My brother's comment was that he wouldn't want to run into this ruffian. Your comment is too funny! Thanks.

Here is a painting of a Confederate Officer wearing a beehive hat. I assumed only the officer would wear the tassel.
Maybe an enlisted man in his company would wear a crude version of a slouch hat and the tassel.
I tried to make me a hat like this for my 1/6 scale artillery "action figure" soldier.

View attachment 478311​

Thank you, that's interesting and helpful.

 

[DixieRifles]

Thank you, that's interesting and helpful.

I think most beehive hats look terrible. I know it was the preferred head gear in the West. But I like the way he is wearing his and a yellow tassel surely decorates it.

 

[Old Breck]

I've actually never seen a Federal dude with the tassels hanging off the back of his hat like that.

It appears he's tucked the collar of his issue shirt inside itself