Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of an early Model 1889 felt campaign hat, worn by a member of the 3rd New York Volunteer Infantry and the 23rd Regiment, New York State National Guard. In December 1883 the campaign hat was changed from black to drab with a brass circular vent centered on each side of the crown. The specifications were changed again in February 1889 with the brass vents being replaced by holes punched in each side of the crown in a “snowflake” pattern. This pattern was the type of hat worn during the Spanish- American War of 1898 and the pattern we offer here.

This example bears correct "snowflake" punched pattern vents on both sides. The brim has three lines of stitching with some stitching loss visible. The hat ribbon bows appear as being unwraveled. These felt hats became symbolic of the Army on the western frontier and today is one of the most highly prized pieces of military headgear. The cap no longer has a leather sweatband, though it does appears to have been intentionally removed. It is our belief that the soldier who initially wore this campaign hat wrote CO. A. 23 REGT. N.G.S.N.Y on the underside of the left brim. The cap appears to have “swapped heads” with another soldier and that’s who we believe to have been apart of the 3rd New York Volunteer Infantry due to the white shield enamel pin with the number 3 in the center. We are not positive that this is the designator for this unit as records are rather scant on authorized devices from this time period. Exterior shows signs of honest use, with some mothing to the exterior crown of the hat. Approximately a size 7 ⅛.

A lovely example that comes more than ready for further research and display.