Civil War US Army Forage Cap - Pattern 1858 - Size Large

Size Large: Hat Size 7-1/4 to 7-3/8

Patterned after French and Austrian headgear, the Forage Cap was adopted by the US Army in 1858. Initially, regulations called for the caps to be trimmed around the crown in welt corresponding to the branch of service. It seems, however, that rule was largely disregarded and in early 1861 was superseded by regulations calling for all caps to be made with welt of the same blue as the rest of the cap.

Millions of forage caps were produced in a variety of patterns by government contractors, with thousands more being produced by private companies for purchase by enlisted men and officers alike. They were the standard headwear of the Union soldier, and have become solidly associated with the image of the Civil War uniform.

Veteran Arms LLC's Pattern 1858 Forage Cap is made of high quality dark blue wool with cotton lining and leather sweatband. There is an adjustable chin strap with brass buckle. This strap is affixed with twin eagle buttons. The bill and chin strap are both made of patent leather with unfinished edges just like the original contractor supplied caps.