GROUP FIVE (5) OF CIVIL WAR–ERA OFFICERS' HAT INSIGNIA 

United States, c. 1861–65.

A fine mixed set of embroidered bullion insignia for the kepi/Hardee hat, comprising:

1. “U S” within a laurel wreath, oval, executed in bright and dull gilt bullion with purl and sequins on black velvet; edge finished in gilt twist. 3 x 2 1/8 in

2. U.S. coat-of-arms eagle, oval, worked in gilt and silver bullion with star border on black velvet, an officer’s staff/field hat device. 2 1/8 x 3 1/16.

3. Infantry hunting horn with regimental numeral “3,” silvered number on a dark ground, the bugle in gilt bullion on black cloth (upper edge trimmed as recovered from a hat). 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 in.

4. Infantry hunting horn with regimental numeral “11,” as above, in gilt bullion with applied white-metal figures. 2 7/8 x 1 7/8. 

5. Plain infantry hunting horn in gilt bullion on black cloth. 2 1/4 x 1 13/16 in.

These hand-worked bullion devices represent the principal forms worn by Union officers and select enlisted men on dress and fatigue headgear: the US-in-wreath and eagle for staff and general officers, and the bugle for infantry, here including two desirable numbered examples (3rd and 11th regiments). The quality of the embroidery, using gilt and silver purl, sequins, and wire twist, reflects private-purchase manufacture typical of wartime officer equipment.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Relics, Militaria] [Militaria, Accouterment, Equipment, Uniforms]