American North, c. 1861-1865. Of classic Union private-purchase form: "McDowell" style, with a low, rounded body of dark blue wool, a broad circular crown, and gently sloping sides. The circular top and lower edge are both bound with black‑enamelled leather; original black leather visor; leather chin strap with 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; 9 in. x 6 1/4 in. x 5 3/8 in.

Many Union officers and some early-war volunteers privately purchased their uniforms from civilian tailors or military outfitters, resulting in wide variations in quality, cut, and materials compared to standardized government-issued clothing.

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