Union Cavalry Hat Question

[Gus2015]

I have a grandfather who was a Corporal with the Union calvary Co. D, 10th Tennessee. Is there any reference that would tell me what the standard uniform was for this group? In particular I'd like to find a reproduction of the hat style he most likely wore as a home office decoration. I have one photo but it was after the war so no clues there. The only equipment mentioned in his writings is his saddle. I'm not sure if there was leeway for any personal preference but if there was he also served in the Indian Wars / Cherokee Removal if previous service would have influenced his choice of hat.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Glen

 

[jepridgen]

I have a grandfather who was a Corporal with the Union calvary Co. D, 10th Tennessee. Is there any reference that would tell me what the standard uniform was for this group? In particular I'd like to find a reproduction of the hat style he most likely wore as a home office decoration. I have one photo but it was after the war so no clues there. The only equipment mentioned in his writings is his saddle. I'm not sure if there was leeway for any personal preference but if there was he also served in the Indian Wars / Cherokee Removal if previous service would have influenced his choice of hat.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Glen

I'd say you'd be safe with a blue forage cap or a good old black slouch hat. Go with the larger brimmed mid to late war cap if you choose that route. Assuming he was issued headgear by the government, it was almost certainly a forage cap, but he very likely purchased his own slouch hat or acquired one at least. That was particularly true of the western units.

 

[captaindrew]

A forage cap was the standard every day hat of the army like the one this trooper is wearing

Or you could go with the dress hat which was a Hardee hat like this trooper is wearing

 

[captaindrew]

There was some leeway depending on the unit particularly in the Western theater of action. You would see some civilian slouch hats.

 

[Gus2015]

Thanks everyone. I'll go with a forage cap. I appreciate the help!

Glen

 

[RedRover]

Here's a company of the 2nd Tennessee Cavalry USA: most in hats... looks like a mix of citizens' types and army uniform hats without insignias...

 

[RedRover]

Here's some more Tenn. Cavalrymen (US), from images in the TN Archives...

 

[Gus2015]

Those are great photos. Interesting that there are no insignias.

Thanks,

Glen

 

[jepridgen]

Those are great photos. Interesting that there are no insignias.

Thanks,

Glen

I agree. Great pics! A lot of the various insignias went the way of the Zouave uniforms and white gaiters as the war progressed. Even line officers got into the mix and started reducing their rank shoulder straps which was eventually put into the regs.