- Joined
- Jul 28, 2015
A very brief primer in what to look for in authenticating an American Civil War Union Forage Cap. The idea actually came to me from one of our extremely knowledgeable forum members @Ralph Heinz, who emailed me about a bogus cap on EBay that is now up to $240.00.
Now look at the cap in question on EBay and let me know your thoughts:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5338579798&icep_item=382461144187
Added photos for more clarity on what to look for:
- Material should be of high quality wool, very similar to an officers frock, but not quite a broadcloth
- The circumference of the crown should be enclosed with a welted reed of the same color as the rest of the cap
- Height of crown from brim should be 4-3/8 inches in front and 5 inches in rear
- The body should be stiffened with a piece of buckram 2-1/2 inches wide and sewn with a single row of machine stiches 16 to the inch, commencing in a point 1-1/2 inches below front crown
- The crown to be stiffened by a stout piece of pasteboard
- The lining should be of black Silesia (polished cotton); most will appear brown
- A sweatband of morocco goatskin 2 inches wide (tanned and black with a crosshatch pattern)
- A visor of stiff glazed leather in the form of a crescent 13 inches long, 9 inches on the interior edge, 2" wide in the middle. These will sometimes vary.
- Chinstrap of black glazed leather composed of two pieces 5/8 inches wide each piece 9-1/2 inches long, with two leather loops of same material. Ends to be sewn directly to the cap with vest buttons at the extreme points of the visor. Brass slide of sheet brass for strap adjustment.
Now look at the cap in question on EBay and let me know your thoughts:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5338579798&icep_item=382461144187
Added photos for more clarity on what to look for:
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