Forage cap

ca. 1863

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Wool, leather, cotton, metal

Overall: 3 1/2 x 9 7/8 x 7 in. ( 8.9 x 25.1 x 17.8 cm )

Gift of Louis Charles Wills

1948.20a

According to the accession records, this cap belonged to the donor's father, Anthony Wills, who served in the Brooklyn-based 28th Regiment of Infantry, New York State militia, during and after the Civil War. Wills was commissioned a captain on February 20, 1863, and served in the regiment in that rank until commissioned a major on December 6, 1871.

Description"Chasseur pattern" dark blue wool felt forage cap; black patent leather visor, which is rigid and somewhat rectangular; soft crown with circular, countersunk top; embroidered insignia on front consisting of a large "V" with forked ends and superimposed number "28" between curved branches of laurel; black patent leather chin strap secured at either side by gilded metal button embossed with New York State shield surmounted by an eagle; brown leather sweatband and brown glazed cotton lining.

Markingsmaker's label: stamped inside top of crown: "BAKER & McKENNEY, / MILITARY GOODS, / 141/ GRAND ST. / NEW-YORK."

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM