A CIVIL WAR–ERA U.S. NAVY SAILOR’S REGULATION HAT EMBROIDERED STAR

American, circa 1861-65. Dark navy wool broadcloth cap of the enlisted “flat hat” type, the crown elaborately embellished with an eight‑point star worked in straw‑colored thread enclosing a concentric guilloche and rosette; the rear with the characteristic black ribbon bow; interior lined in blue‑and‑white checked cotton, the edge bound. Approx. 9 (diameter) x 3 in.

This brimless, round cap, worn by seamen throughout the war, exhibits the kind of “forecastle fancywork” executed by or for sailors for shore wear and studio portraits. The star-and-rosette device, evocative of a compass rose, is a sophisticated piece of needlework unusual on surviving examples and reflects the personalization commonly seen in period images but seldom preserved in the artifact record.

Overall, a rare and exceptionally attractive survival of Civil War naval headgear, notable for its decorative treatment and completeness.

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