An individual United States officer’s chassuer-pattern fatigue cap, ca.1864-1865. Retains its original internal sweatband, polished lining, leather chinstrap, and two Infantry side buttons.

A classic piece of late-nineteenth-century American military headgear, exhibiting a striking, tall-bodied silhouette. Constructed of a rich, dark midnight-blue wool, the cap features the high, near-vertical rear wall and deep, inset crown characteristic of the popular French-style "chasseur" pattern. The body displays a heavy structural crease around the midsection. Girding the base is a matching, thick wool band, flanked by an adjustable black leather chinstrap secured by two small gilt-brass staff buttons featuring the federal eagle shield with a recessed letter "I" for Infantry.

The interior of the piece is well-appointed, retaining a fine, intact dark polished lining. The center crown preserves the shadow of a distinct circular gold-gilt embossed maker’s mark specifying a Paris origin or a high-end French import stamp. While European component marks are occasionally encountered on premium, private-purchase Confederate officer headgear, they are significantly scarcer on northern contract variants. The assembly is anchored by a thin pasteboard internal stiffener band, a textbook manufacturing trait common to commercial military outfitters of the Civil War era.

The front of the cap displays an embroidered bullion branch insignia of a wartime infantry hunting horn or bugle, showing tight wire wrapping and multi-layered bullion detailing sewn to a separate wool patch. While the cap shell exhibits an undeniable Civil War construction aura, collectors should note that the bugle insignia exhibits traits consistent with later addition. Regardless, this impressive piece stands as a fascinating, multi-layered specimen of a finely made Civil War officer's cap. 

The cap is in good to very good original condition. The midnight-blue wool body shows honest age, handling wear, and minor scattered moth tracking and small pinholes, particularly along the left side and lower rear band. The gold bullion infantry bugle remains firmly attached to the front, displaying a deep, un-cleaned dull-gold patina. The leather visor and chinstrap remain securely in place, showing typical surface crazing, edge scuffing, and minor crackling consistent with its age. The interior lining and sweatband remain stable, with the gold-gilt Paris outfitter stamp remaining exceptionally bright and legible.