Chapeau bras

1860-1880

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

Felt, other textile, leather

Overall (Folded): 8 × 17 5/8 × 2 in. (20.3 × 44.8 × 5.1 cm)

Gift of Mrs. Henry Torrance

1932.167

According to the accession records, this chapeau was worn by Captain Thomas Fisher (1839-1879), the donor's uncle. On September 1, 1861 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd New York Volunteer Infantry (also known as the Troy Regiment). Fisher saw action at Battle of Big Bethel, Fair Oaks, Malvern hill, Groveton, the second Bull Run and Chantilly. He also took part in the battle of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on December 31, 1862. The "Troy Daily Times," in the listing of returning officers from New York, noted that 1st Lieutenant Thomas H. Fisher of Company G of the 2nd New York Volunteers had been Aid-de-camp on General Mott's staff. Fisher was one of the first officers of the 22nd Infantry after it was reconstituted in 1866. Fisher was awarded a Brevet Promotion to Captain on March 2, 1867 and served until his death on July 4, 1879.

DescriptionFlat-folding black felt chapeau with cock and fan of equal height; narrow black ribbon binding on edges of cock and fan, otherwise undecorated; black silk lining and black leather sweatband.

Markingsmaker's label: printed on lining: "BAKER . . . / New York"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM