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Lot 338
[CIVIL WAR]. Union General's Hardee hat.  
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Estimate
$10,000 - 15,000
Lot Description
[CIVIL WAR]. Union General's Hardee hat.  

Brim to crown 5 1/2 in. black felt wool Hardee hat with brim bound with silk edging, three black ostrich feathers, leather sweatband, dark red polished cotton lining with faded gilt manufacturer's mark (mothing, small holes at crown, fading to brim edge); gold bullion cord ending with two acorns; 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. 1858 pattern general staff insignia, embroidered gold bullion wreath with silver "U.S." and twisted gilt brass wire border on black velvet, ca 1859-1865 (faded to dark brown); 2 3/8 x 3 in. 1858 pattern eagle officer insignia, gold bullion eagle and silver stars on black velvet shield and twisted gilt brass wire border, eagle's face enhanced with red thread (minor tarnish). 

The gold cords without black silk indicate use by a general, as per 1861 Federal regulations. Two small holes near the brim's right edge suggest this is where the brim was originally pinned.

The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann
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