RARE CONFEDERATE JEAN‑CLOTH FORAGE CAP, POSSIBLY RELATED TO A LOUISIANA SOLDIER

American South, c. 1861–65. Of classic Confederate private‑purchase form: domed cylindrical body made of tan/butternut wool‑cotton jean, the circular top and lower edge both bound with black‑enamelled leather; original black leather visor; leather chin strap with brass slide and convex side buttons; dark glazed‑cotton inner bag and leather sweatband remnants. The crown is hand‑ and machine‑stitched in panels, with the top disc set off by a raised leather binding; the body shows the expected irregularities of period, non‑contract work. 8 1/4 in. x 9 11/16 in. x 4 1/8 in. 

Confederate headgear was largely privately made during the war’s early years, resulting in a variety of “non‑regulation” caps that blend military and civilian elements. The present example, with leather‑bound crown and base, jean‑cloth body, and simple chinstrap, is fully consistent with caps seen on Western‑ and Trans‑Mississippi‑theater soldiers, including Louisianans. While the possibly Louisiana attribution derives from the cap’s long association with a Louisiana jacket, the materials, construction, and wear all support a Confederate wartime origin, regardless.

A scarce survivor of enlisted field dress and a compelling addition to a Confederate uniform display.

This lot is accompanied by a two‑page evaluation letter from uniform expert, Les Jensen (16 October 1998), discussing the butternut Louisiana jacket with which this cap was found. Jensen notes the cap’s “shako‑like” profile with leather bands at top and bottom and regards it as a “fine piece,” while cautioning that its association with the jacket is uncertain. It was this opinion that evidently cause a previous owner to separate the two pieces. Copies of the report are included with the lot.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Militaria, Uniforms, Accoutrements, Ephemera]