Forage cap

1885–1893

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

Wool, other textile, leather, braid, metal

Overall: 6 1/4 × 3 3/4 × 9 3/4 in. (15.9 × 9.5 × 24.8 cm)

Bequest of Charles MacKubin Lefferts

1923.92b

This cap originally belonged to Sigourney Fay Lefferts (d. 1907), who enlisted in the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York, in 1884. H. V. Allien & Co. is listed at 738 Broadway, the address given on the maker's label, from 1885 through 1893.

Description"Chasseur pattern" gray wool felt forage cap; black leather visor which is flat and somewhat rectangular; soft crown with circular, countersunk top with gold braid applied around outer edge; vertical strips of gold braid applied center front, center back, and on either side of crown; black woven textile band around base of cap with gold braid on upper edge and white metal numeral "7" attached to center front; chin strap buttons embossed with initials "N.G." between branches of oak and laurel (chin strap missing); leather sweatband and black silk lining.

Markingsmaker's label: inside top of crown: "H. V. ALLIEN & Co. / 738 BROADWAY / NEW YORK." handwritten in ink: on cloth label stitched to lining: "S. F. Lefferts" in relief: on buttons: "N.G." metal numeral: pinned to front of cap: "7"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM