Chapeau (bicorne)

1870-1885

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

Textile, leather, braid, feathers, metal

Overall: 5 x 15 x 6 1/2 in. ( 12.7 x 38.1 x 16.5 cm )

Gift of Mrs. Philip G. Schermerhorn

1958.123e

According to the accession records, this chapeau was worn by Lt.-Colonel George Stevens Schermerhorn (1835-1926) of the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York. (The embroidered insignia at the center of the cockade is actually that of the Veteran Corps of the 7th Regiment.) Other uniform parts and accessories owned and worn by Lt-Colonel Schermerhorn are also in the N-YHS Collection.

DescriptionBlack beaver (textile) chapeau with rigid crown; edges of cock and fan with black ribbon binding and black ostrich trim; cockade with "loop" of intriciately interlaced gold braid over black silk rosette, center disk with "7VC" embroidered in gold on red textile ground, and gilded metal button with initials "NG" in relief between branches of oak and laurel; gold bullion fringe at each corner; brown leather sweatband and pink silk lining.

MarkingsEmbroidered on cockade: "7 V C"; in relief on button: "NG"; maker's label inside top of crown: "HORSTMAN BROS. & ALLIEN, / New York."

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM