Chapeau bras

1866-1875

Place madeParis, France, Europe

Textile, leather, feathers, metal

Overall (folded): 1 3/4 in. × 20 in. × 6 1/2 in. (4.4 × 50.8 × 16.5 cm)

Gift of William W. Hoffman, Francis Burrall Hoffman, Murray Hoffman, and Colonel Albert Lincoln Hoffman

1956.219b

According to the accession records, this chapeau was worn by Colonel Wickham Hoffman, grandfather of the donors, as part of his diplomatic uniform while serving as Assistant Secretary of Legation in Paris, France, 1866, and First Secretary of Legation, 1867-74. See "Genealogy of the Hoffman Family: Descendants of Martin Hoffman" (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1899), pp. 367-70. Wickham Hoffman himself was the author of "Camp, Court, and Siege" (New York, 1877) and "Leisure Hours in Russia," (New York, 1883).

DescriptionFlat-folding black beaver (textile?) chapeau with black ostrich feather trim on edges of cock and fan; two bands of wide black ribbon extend diagonally from base of cock (front), framing cockade consisting of a rosette superimposed with sequin-ornamented loop with embroidered oak leaf and laurel decoration; button with shield-breasted eagle below arc of thirteen stars attached at base of loop; leather sweatband and white silk lining.

MarkingsMaker's label printed on lining: "L'ÉTOILE D'OR / LAGESTE / SUCC'R. DE CHARLET / 41, Rue de Richelieu / PARIS"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM