Union Hat

[stig58]

I have a Union cap (Kepi) probably a reproduction, the inner lining of hat is torn and the label is missing, I had to clean the hat and fumigate as it had an awful odour made it uncomfortable to handle. My question is does the insignia on the cap represent a particular regiment or unit? I have in the past couple of weeks collected the cap and a couple of prints "Battle of the Crater" by Tom Lovell and "Sabre Charge" by Frank C. McCarthy both signed so got off to a good start to my collecting.

Looking forward to learning and talking to the members of this forum

Dennis

 

[Salterr]

I have a Union cap (Kepi) probably a reproduction, the inner lining of hat is torn and the label is missing, I had to clean the hat and fumigate as it had an awful odour made it uncomfortable to handle. My question is does the insignia on the cap represent a particular regiment or unit? I have in the past couple of weeks collected the cap and a couple of prints "Battle of the Crater" by Tom Lovell and "Sabre Charge" by Frank C. McCarthy both signed so got off to a good start to my collecting.

Looking forward to learning and talking to the members of this forum

Dennis

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The insignia of the bugle represents the infantry branch. The buttons on the side are officers buttons because they have an I in the shield. The hat is a reproduction.

 

[captaindrew]

It is a reproduction, the horn is an infantry insignia

 

[Salterr]

Enlisted caps had small paper labels affixed to the underside. When you find those they usually say the maker and the size of the cap. Higher end hats of officers might have a nicer lining and nicer sweatband. Higher quality in general. Sometimes the makers would imprint the company into the lining. There are variations in headgear which collectors refer to as type I and type II. These are variations in the crown width and the bill shape. The chin strap adjuster would be a friction type. Very thin and brass.

Sometimes people will remove modern day signs or tags on the caps and claim the hat to have wear from being worn so much. Civil war headgear is close to $3,000 and up. Hopefully you did not shell out that kind of money for it. Fingers crossed!

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

Welcome! Good luck on your collection efforts.

 

[stig58]

Thanks for the replies I paid $40 for the cap so didn't expect it to be authentic, just curious why they should tear the inner of the hat and what a god awful smell was coming from the hat, that was one strange reproduction. I had better luck with my prints "Battle of the Crater" by Tom Lovell, and "Sabre Charge" by Frank C. McCarthy both signed the Tom Lovell print is very dramatic. Thanks for the info.

Dennis

 

[Salterr]

Thanks for the replies I paid $40 for the cap so didn't expect it to be authentic, just curious why they should tear the inner of the hat and what a god awful smell was coming from the hat, that was one strange reproduction. I had better luck with my prints "Battle of the Crater" by Tom Lovell, and "Sabre Charge" by Frank C. McCarthy both signed the Tom Lovell print is very dramatic. Thanks for the info.

Dennis

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The tear might be from someone trying to pass it off as authentic. There's a good chance that the spot had a modern tag or other telltale sign of it being modern. Excellent prints and a great start to the collection!

 

[stig58]

Yes when I looked up original caps they mostly had a torn lining so a nice touch by the forger, but still don't get why the cap smelt so bad, it's like it was dug up from a grave, probably another idea of the forger. I think most people cant afford an original so a decent replica which can pass off as a a decent representation of the original, is acceptable. A lot of museums display replicas without even knowing it.

Dennis

 

[scooter748driver]

Welcome from the Fort Sumter and the Fredericksburg forums.

 

[stig58]

I'd like to thank Y'all for your replies respect from the UK

Dennis

 

[bayonet]

It's as fake as a $3 bill or a reproduction as already stated. The hat smells bad because it was probably worn and never washed. I used to reenact a time ago and you did not wash the wool hat, pants, waist coat, sack coat, and frock coat for if you did they would shrink. Maybe in cold water every once in a blue moon but no dryer. Plus what reenactor steps into a reenactment looking clean as a whistle, looks farby. They were lucky if they bathed twice a year back then, so look the part!