Cap Details

This ultra-rare hat has a pattent date of 1878 stamped inside. It is a US Army, 1876 pattern, slouch hat. This hat is a very desirable private purchase commerical version made by the famous John B. Stetson Company. These hats were popular because of their distinctive look, and much higher than average quality. They were popular with the more affluent Officer's of the Army. Commerical versions always differ from regulation models in some way, thus making them much more interesting to collect. This example is AMAZING! It is in excellent plus condition. The body felt is almost pristine, with only a small near invisible, rear brim edge tear. You would have to look very closely to even notice it. The brim is the really cool "curled-over" style, which is highly prized by collectors. This style of a hat is rarely found for sale/if ever, except at high prices. The body waist has the rare narrow silk trim. The top crown is perfectly shaped and as firm as new. Inside the leather sweat band is intact, but does show some minor age peeling from sweat. It rates at 90% for it's great age. The sweat band is remarkably, still attached, but frail as would be expected. Now for the juicy part. The leather sweat band is faintly ink named "E.L. Dickerson" (WOW!). Also, there are lots of other neat markings from the factory. There is a 2"X2" embossed shield shape logo of "John B. Stetson Co., No.1 Quality", and another 1"X1" oval shape embossed logo of "Approved Sweat, The Fray, Pattent(D) Jan. 1st, 78, Regd. Oct. 8th, 1878". And there is still more! On the other side of the band is a 1"X3" silver label of "John B. Stetson Co., Philadelphia", and found just below that is a 5/16"X3" silver label of the (presumably) outfitter/retailer of "T.A. Carten". And there is still more, found just below the outfitter's name is another smaller silver label with the words of "Iona, Mich.". Ain't that cool! Lastly this hat has been untouched by any (fradulent) dealer. These dealers often add badges and cords to represent some exotic unit(s), like Cavalry, or Indian Scouts to drive up their price.

Comments from the Curator:

This hat shows no evidence of any cords having ever been worn on it (no wear evident). And this hat never had a frontal badge either pinned or sewn on (there are no hole perforations from a pin or from sewing). Here the buyer has the option of leaving this hat pristine and unadorned, or he can add cords and insignia to represent some unit he desires. But please note - this should not be done as that is fantasy! There is no need to alter this already fine piece. Also note that these hats were worn by both Officer's and Enlisted Men alike with just a change in the cords and insignia. Here is a chance to own a truely spectacular example of an Indian Wars hat which would be impossible to upgrade. (This hat is even nicer than the one in this museum's "Headgear Of The World" exhibit, and it may be removed from sale due to the constant whinning of the museum's Director about selling it!)

Buy it Now - Pricy, but nice $3500.00

This item is in stock. Quantity 1. Item is not listed on the museum's shopping cart, and payments can not be made directly from the site. If you have interest in this item, please contact the museum by E-Mail, or by phone at 434-836-5323.