Hats

[theknapsack]

What were very common and/or popular Civilian Hats? I am in need of a hat, and I am looking for one that would fit my "attitude" and also be of a period style.
If anyone can help me out, I'd also like to know what would be most appropriate for a Western AotT and AoC impression. I'd like to see photographs of Illinois and Michigan soldiers in particular, and what type of hats/caps they wore. I have an original photo of one of the units I am in. If I can scan it, I need help trying to figure out what type of hats they were wearing. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks,

[KentuckyReb]

Have you looked at Tim Bender's hats yet, or the Clearwater Hats site? Good civilian hats on there. I'm like you, looking for a civilian chapeau. Got a good kepi right now but I'm tired of gettin' my ears blistered and a good 'attitude hat' can really set off an impression.

[kemper_rifles]

What were very common and/or popular Civilian Hats? I am in need of a hat, and I am looking for one that would fit my "attitude" and also be of a period style.
If anyone can help me out, I'd also like to know what would be most appropriate for a Western AotT and AoC impression. I'd like to see photographs of Illinois and Michigan soldiers in particular, and what type of hats/caps they wore. I have an original photo of one of the units I am in. If I can scan it, I need help trying to figure out what type of hats they were wearing. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks,

Its not civilian but, if you're doing western federal, you mite consider a Hardee hat. You can make them into really nice slouch hats.

[Clark Badgett]

One style that I've seen alot of is the "pork pie", and the low beehive, and the Hardee, and several others too numerous to list. Go to the library and look through all the picture books you can find, and you will find your answer. :)

[Alamo Guard]

There are some wonderful pictures of men having their photo taken atop Lookout Mountain after the seige. Just look at the hats, you can glean alot of information from them.
Lastly look at your own impression, what were you before the war, how long on the war path, and your social status.
I agree 100 percent on the choices offered by the previous posters however.

[Jayhawk102]

Tim Bender makes a neat Mosby style hat. I got one this christmas and cant wait to use it on the battlefield.

[theknapsack]

Pork Pies fit my looks well, but Beehive hats would fit my impression. But, I am not sure to how common porkpies and how they would be available to a farmer.
The Problem with U.S. Dress Hats I have is, they weren't issued to either of the units I am in. I'd like to buy one for future impressions but I need a hat that will fit mine right now.
I shall consult pictures for now also.
What type of hats would famers be able to get, or what fits my impression best are good questions for myself and I'm going to have to figure that out. I have question though, The labels in Clearwater hats are they documented sellers of the period or not?
Thanks for all your replies and future ones,

[markj]

Hi,

Quick suggestion: Do a little research by cracking open several "coffee-table" books about the Civil War (Time-Life "silver series" volumes like "Twenty Million Yankees" would also be good) . These will incorporate numerous photographs and contemporary illustrations showing the vast number of different hat styles worn by citizens and troops. Also cruise the Library of Congress on-line photograph collection as has been done by others on this forum. The National Archives photo collection is also quite good--there are several photos showing individual companies of the 21st Michigan as they appeared circa 1864 while encamped around Chattanooga.

You will undoubtedly find something you like.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[theknapsack]

Thanks for the suggestion, Mark. I actually have been doing that, but I have lots of trouble defining what type of hats they are wearing.

[markj]

Greetings,

I feel your pain. As I'm sure many hat-makers will readily attest, it's very difficult at times to precisely categorize a lot of styles. Many hat styles were likely unique to specific makers and the result of personal preferences.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Gallo de Cielo]

Riley,

Your studies of surviving images has no doubt revealed several things, first and foremost, that there wasn't any "one" style or shape of hat preferred over others. I think the pork pie is not a bad way to go at all. A set of works not yet mentioned that stand as some of my favorites are the "Portraits of Conflict" series. You may want to dig through those.

Forage caps are right common but the Western Feds absolutely had a penchant for something with a brim. The pork pie is fairly identifiable and I've seen a good number of them pictured. Another hat is the "Stevenson" style reproduced by Marse Bender. Tim refers to that as an officers hat, which many officers indeed did sport, but I can think of several images of Sherman's boys wearing these in great numbers, particularly in the summer of '64. One of the Library of Congress images entitled "Barnard's Developing Tent Outside Atlanta" shows this very well. A cursory glance shows a good 9 or 10 "Stevenson" style hats, about 4 pork pies, and a couple other low crown, short brim slouches. Nary a kepi or forage cap in the lot.

One other thing, when you say you want a hat that will "fit your attitude" be wary of picking a hat simply for how well it may flatter you. Rather, pick a known style and personalize it a bit. In the afore-mentioned image, every man wears his hat differently on his head, some back and high on the head, others low over the eyes, some cocked at a rackish angle. Others have shaped and formed the bills, brims, and crowns to personalize them. I think that is the better/more PEC approach to the "fit your attitude" question.

Hope this helps. Curt gives a good hat talk. Maybe he'll share some thoughts soon...

Kind regards,

Fred Baker

[theknapsack]

Mr. Baker,

Thank you for your excellent post. What I meant by "fit my attitude" is exactly what you said about the personalization. I will keep looking.

Thanks,

[markj]

Greetings,

Here's a nice image you might enjoy. This allegedly depicts Company H, 44th Indiana Volunteer Infantry although there has been some debate about the precise ID (some claim it's a company of the 21st Michigan). Date of the photo is sometime in 1863 or 1864.

All in all, a very nice "cross-section" of different hat styles used by Western Feds. Source is the National Archives.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[BorderRuffian]

type of hats would famers be able to get, or what fits my impression best are good questions for myself and I'm going to have to figure that out. I have question though, The labels in Clearwater hats are they documented sellers of the period or not?
Thanks for all your replies and future ones,[/QUOTE]

Hello,
I just received a low beehive hat from Clearwater I am very happy with.The label inside says "James G. Gibbes Waterproof Hats Columbia South Carolina" I don't know if this is a period documented hatter or not,perhaps someone more knowledgeable than I can answer that one.

YOS,

Forrest Peterson

[Amtmann]

Just picked up a Pork Pie from Tim Bender at the Civilian Conference. I'm very happy with it. :D I won't give Clearwater any business (personal reasons). :mad:

[PrettyBoyDonovan]

If its any help my High Rider model reads "Murphy and Griswold, Fine Hats, New York. I have to say it's a very good hat.




type of hats would famers be able to get, or what fits my impression best are good questions for myself and I'm going to have to figure that out. I have question though, The labels in Clearwater hats are they documented sellers of the period or not?
Thanks for all your replies and future ones,

Hello,
I just received a low beehive hat from Clearwater I am very happy with.The label inside says "James G. Gibbes Waterproof Hats Columbia South Carolina" I don't know if this is a period documented hatter or not,perhaps someone more knowledgeable than I can answer that one.

YOS,

Forrest Peterson[/QUOTE]

[KentuckyReb]

Man...I hate it when somebody's name is on the tip of your tongue and you just can't spit it out. Wasn't there a vendor, I think I remember a discussion of him on this board some time ago, who makes period after-market hat labels from different geographical areas, like a Louisville haberdasher for a fellow from my neck of the woods, a St. Louis, Nashville, Atlanta, yadda yadda. I could've sworn I remembered that from this board.

[Clark Badgett]

Man...I hate it when somebody's name is on the tip of your tongue and you just can't spit it out. Wasn't there a vendor, I think I remember a discussion of him on this board some time ago, who makes period after-market hat labels from different geographical areas, like a Louisville haberdasher for a fellow from my neck of the woods, a St. Louis, Nashville, Atlanta, yadda yadda. I could've sworn I remembered that from this board.

Micah, actually you might be better served by wearing a cap instead of a hat. Do the QM records exist for the 7th KY? And little freindly advice, forget wearing a Louisville maker if you are doing CS, as Kentucky cornfeds were completely cut-off from Kentucky, well unless you rode with Morgan or Forrest. Didn't Forrest attack Paducah sometime during the war? Wonder if there were any hatters in Paducah.

[KentuckyReb]

Oh, have no fear. I like my old kepi. It's a good well-made Joe Blunt. Don't see replacing it any time soon. I just usually cuss it a little sometime about the middle of July when it reminds me that 'roastin' ears' doesn't always mean sweet corn. Unfortunately nobody (at least that I'm in contact with) has ever seen any QM paperwork for the 7th Kentucky. The absolute most info I can think of, right off the top of my head, is the fellow who wrote that book talking about their first weapons issue and giving a description of the musket he received that makes it sound like an 1816 conversion. As to hatters in Paducah...I don't know. If I could get a look at the newspaper archives (if the modern Paducah papers were in operation back then) then I could look for adverts. The men were allowed to visit their homes for a few days after the raid since most of them were from that area, and Mr. George says that he was able to get some much-needed clothing. After I think of it though, that point's kinda moot for us because none of us have the horses required to do an impression from the 7th's time with Forrest. Strictly the pre-'64 leg impression for us, alas. Far as the labels, I just mentioned it because Riley was wondering about the labels in a Bender or a Clearwater. Come to think of it...where is that kepi...?

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

You should pick a hat that best suits you and your body style. I've heard many people here suggest pork pie hats but IMHO only 9% of the reenacting population look good in these hats. Also, if you're big and fat, pork pie's are the worst hats to wear becasue they're extreamly small and you'll look like a goober in it. Out of all the photo's I've examined, pork pie's were the least common out of the bunch.

Here are my suggestions for citizen style hats that look good with a Federal impression, and also seen in many photographs:

Black Hats (because it's more common)
Bowler
Medium Crown Bowler
Flat-top crown
Telescope crown Flat-tops
Flat-top arabia
Stevenson Hat
Dome top Arabia

You can find these hats at: www.benderhats.com

Honestly though, after reviewing many photo's, I would say 3 types of hats (Issue Army Hat, and Citizen hats), are seen more than anything else.

1. Army hats ( Aslo modified army hats)
2. Bowlers (Many different styles and crown heights)
3. Flat-tops (Flat-top crowns, telescope crowns, flat-top arabia)

A good example of this would be on page 124 of EoG Arms and equipment of the Union.... these 3 types of hats are seen more then anything else in the photo.

[Gallo de Cielo]

"You should pick a hat that best suits you and your body style."

Aaron,

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with the above statement. If we all pick hats, jackets, blankets, etc that best suit our body style and other personal inclinations then I think we're straying from what was issued/what was available at the time. Looking at things through a modern lens of "what makes me look best" completely overlooks the more important thought of "what is the most functional and what was readily available." If one were in Sherman's ranks, you probably wouldn't care if a pork pie or a Stevenson was more flattering to you, only that you had some shade and protection from the rain. Your suggestions of hats and vendors (although previously mentioned in prior posts) is solid but I am wary of having less experienced folks see your comment and then build their impressions on such a premise.

Not trying to be critical but can you see that picking a beehive or a Columbus Depot because it "suits me and my body style" might run completely counter to what is PEC for that unit, time frame, or theater?

Kind regards,

Fred Baker

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Fred,

You bring up some good points, however I dissagree with your statement as well. Lets forget about personal preference among uniforms and clothing. Obviously a soldier would not have a personal preference for these items because the government provided this to you, in most cases.

What we are dealing with are CIVILIAN hats, thats all. These hats were usually bought by the soldier and you can't tell me he didn't have a personal choice in this matter if one was given. Right?

I just listed the most common citizen hats seen on Federal Soldiers and if a reenactor wants to choice the best hat that suits him out of that list, then what's wrong with that? (Keeping in mind that we're ONLY dealing with citizen hats on a generic Federal soldier. If a reenactor is doing a particular time frame and unit, then he would need to re-evaluate his situation. I do agree with you there. However, I think this thread is focused on citizen hats on generic Federals).

A researcher, historian, and collector named Larry Strayer once told me: "You pick a citizen hat that you PERSONALLY like (and looks good on your head) as long as it's a common hat seen among photographs you are studying. (unit photo's).

I don't care how authentic your uniform is, what makes or breaks your impression "look" dependes on your hat. If you choice to wear a Citizen hat, then you better pick one that looks good on your head.

I know I'm stirring the pot up a little bit, but it's the truth.

[GreencoatCross]

I'll have to agree with Aaron. Compare the purchase of a civilian piece of headgear to the modern purchasing and wearing of clothing; you want to wear what suits your personal tastes best. That might be the, "I like this, to heck what others think," kind of approach or it could be the, "I'll wear what's currently high-fashion." The soldiers did not always have a large pool of issue items to choose from that would suit their personal tastes, and the evidence of altered issue dress hats is proof that some men were not happy with the way they looked in the tall stiff things.

For my civilian impression I purchased a "Stevenson" style hat from Tim Bender two years ago and I found almost immediately that it did not look good on me, or rather I did not look good in it. There was nothing wrong with how it was made...I just made a bad judgement call....I hated how I looked in it, to be perfectly honest! I haven't found a civilian hat I like YET but when I do it's mine! As far as my military impression is concerned, I have a crushed-down issue dress hat (crushed to my liking, dammit! :tounge_sm ) and I'm going to be making myself a shallaced "crispy" looking dress hat for those impressions that call for one that is not beat up. Caps are also piling up, but there is not much I can do for those.

I also have to agree with Fred in that yes, at times, in some theaters of War, one hat, one cap, or the other is more suitable than "what you like," or "what looks best." If you look good in some kind of a straw hat as a civilian then you probably don't want that straw hat while laying seige to Petersburg circa 1864.

Brian White
Also in Cincinnati

[Clifford Hyde]

Tim Allen is another excellant maker and he offers a choice of maker labels. I think telescope and bowler-type hats were common. It seems also that some of clearwaters styles would work well for farmer hats such as the ''slouch'' or high beehive or maybe Dirty Billy's bowler or beehive farmer but i'm not certain. They seem like ideal farmer styles. Clifford E. Hyde

[theknapsack]

Unfortunately, the original units that I portray do not have very many photos. The main unit I portray (as of late) is the 1st Michigan Engineers. They have one photo that was taken right after the Atlanta Campaign. I tried to scan it and post it on here, but I can't upload .TIF images. Does anyone know how to change it to .gif or .jpg? Anyways, there is five members of the unit (all privates presumabley) that are standing near, or sitting on the earthworks. The one second to the far left (of the group of men) looks like hes wearing a Porkpie. The man in the middle looks as if he is wearing a Stevenson hat.
This photo is on pgs 210 and 211 in The Photographic History of the Civil War Vol. II
The Porkpies I understand are very rare in photos (at least I havn't seen many). Porkpies however do look good and fit my impression. Stevenson hats really don't. What should I do?

Thanks,

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

"Porkpies however do look good and fit my impression. Stevenson hats really don't. What should I do?"

Riley,
I know it's not black and it may be a bit blurry on some computers, but I'm wearing a "flat-top crown" in my avatar (new avatar comming soon) and I've had a few people confuse this hat with a pork pie. (not sure why). So you may want to look at Mr. Bender's flat-tops as well as his pork pie and compare the two.

www.benderhats.com

After you've done the comparison and you feel a pork pie looks best on you, and your heart is set on one, then go ahead and buy it.

[bonniegreenflag]

While we are on the subject of civilian head gear, how common where wheel hats(not the mexican war variety)? Dirty Billy's tarred wheel hat looks good on me, but Iv stuck to my slouch so far becuase my unit came from rural Va. Would rural people have had access to these hats? perhaps picked them up after recruitment?

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Black hats were more common...... I would stick with a slouch hat instead of a wheel cap.

[theknapsack]

"After you've done the comparison and you feel a pork pie looks best on you, and your heart is set on one, then go ahead and buy it."

To know what hat fits me best I have to try it on and imagine what "personalization(s)" Done to the hat would look best and fit my impression, where I grew up before the war, my hairstyle, etc.
I'd like to buy from Tim Bender, but I see him at events very rairly (once at Gettysburg last year, I didnt have the money to afford one though). Dirty Billy is a little above my price range, and I am concerned about Clearwater's Labels. So, I will wait until I can see Tim Bender again.

Thanks,

[CitizenSoldier]

Greetings,
Probably one of the most common style of hats worn in the decade prior to the war is the flat top with about a medium brim, often in dark or light colors. Headwear of this type appears in many photographs, genre paintings, and engravings of the 1850's and can be seen in multiple images of soldiers in every theater/service during the rebellion. Examples of this style of hat have been excavated at both the Steamboat Arabia and Steamboat Bertrand archeological sites here along the Missouri River.

One does see a fair amount of telescoped crown hats in the mix as well, these can sometimes be easily seen in images of "played out" hats of the time period as the crown starts to dome out from wear.

Domed hats start appearing in genre paintings fairly early on and then really seem to gain in popularity again toward the end of 1850's. Though out the rebellion they appear in numerous images of servicemen.

For further reading on hat styles from the mid 19th century, I would recommend getting started with the following sources:

Dressed for the Photographer by Joan Severa
The Daureotype in America by Beaumont Newhall
Silver and Gold: Cased Images of the California Gold Rush
by Oakland Museum/National Musuem of American Art

It's my understanding, that many extant felt citizen hats from the mid 19th century do not exhibit maker marks like so much of the reproduction headwear on the current market.

Good luck with your research,
Darrek Orwig

[Southernboy]

If you haven't already, I'd suggest taking a look at a Theophilus Frank hat. I have one made for me by Tim Allen and love it. Theo Frank was a Confederate from Davidson Co. NC (where I happen to live) so it was a great fit for me. Here is an excerpt from the ACWS Archives:

Two hats survive that were issued either by the Central Government or by the State of North Carolina itself. Both of these hats are black civilian hats, which have been altered to mimic the 1858 army hat.

The first belonged to Theophilus Frank who served in the 48th N.C., which served in Hill’s Corps ANV from October 1863 to October 1864. This hat shows evidence of being 'militarised'. The crown when domed is 6 inches at its apex, and the brim measures 3 inches. It is edged with 1/4 in Grossgrain Ribbon on the top only. A 7/8 wide band encircles the base of the crown that is made of double play thickness cotton that has been blackened and is now a medium grey colour. This has been applied over the original hat bank. Applied under this hatband are two pieces of cord approximately 3 inches long that look like they represent hat cords, and lastly the brim has been looped up on one side by use of a button and corresponding slit in the brim.

The second hat that surfaced in 1991 is different to the first in the fact that it has a smaller brim but it has been 'militarised' in exactly the same way.

Judging by this evidence it seems likely that some States and maybe the Central Government itself issued civilian hats to the men from the beginning of the war and some of these at least were altered to mimic the 1858 army hat. Some of these were still being issued in late 1863 (T Frank enlisted in October 1863).

I don't loop mine up on the side but many variations in wearing are possible. If you are interested, Tim Allen's e-mail is: tahats@starpower.net which is the best way to contact him. His quality of workmanship and authenticity are excellent. I'm sure you would be pleased.

Also, here is the link to the entire ACWS article: http://www.acws.co.uk/archives/military/anvslouch.htm

[Southern Cal]

I am very pleased with my "Clearwater" hat. High quality. It is well worth exploring their website even if you aren't ready to buy a hat yet. I also have a forage cap from Dirty Billy's and a comrade has one if his straw hats. Don't know if Dirty Billy is an "approved" vendor but the headgear I've personally seen is good.
L.J. Bach

[JimConley]

The hat that you choose is ultimately up to you. But if you want help on the subject, talk with the best. E-mail Tim Allen at: TAHats@starpower.net
He could talk your ear off about hats and is very helpful. As I recall, when he and I spoke last, we had the same type of conversation. I believe that as far as commonality and popularity, the flat top style slouch was premiere! Hope this helps

[cwarren64]

I was looking for information about the "montana peak" style hat and found the following on a NPS site talking about the origins of their uniform hat:

"This style of hat (Montana Peak) was made famous by John B. Stetson, the
American hat maker, who produced this style in 1863. His hats,
made of wool felt, had creases in the front and back of the crown
creating four dents that formed a peak. This style was nicknamed
the "Montana peak" hat because it resembled the glacier peaks of
Montana."

I like this style hat (I do WWI too) and was wondering if anyone has any more info about this style. Another site described this style as being popular in Texas in the 1880's. I have not seen it in photos, but I'm still looking.
Thanks,
Warren Clark

[PrettyBoyDonovan]

I'm not so sure about that style. I kinda know a little about post-war styles, and I haven't really seen anything that describes that in the 1880's. Are you sure it was Stetson that produced it? As far as I know Stetson began to produce his hats around 1865, and created the first true cowboy hat just after the war had ended. Therefore, most of his hats wouldn't really fit the Civil War period. Clearwater offers a model of some Stetson hats in their Old West catalogue. I believe his first hat is called "The King of the Plains".

[MassVOL]

I recalled reading somewhere and I believe it was in reference to the Spanish American War that the prevelant style was the Dakota Peak which was the sides crushed in and a fold straight down the middle.

( from: http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/camph.htm)
the US Army adopted the "Montana peak" style, officially on September 8, 1911. As to their origin one can only guess. Previously in the Spanish-American war and Philippine Insurrection many troops peaked their M1883, M1903 hats this way rather than the regulation fore and aft crease, in order to shed water better.

However the regulations say nothing about it:

Regulations and Decisions
Pertaining to the
Uniform of the Army
Of the
United States (1898)

FATIGUE AND STRAW HATS.

43. ALL ENLISTED MEN - Of drab-colored felt, according to pattern in office of the Quartermaster General; to be worn in the field, and in garrison only on fatigue and stable duty, at target practice, and when the rubber coat, blanket, or poncho is worn; the color to be uniform for both officers and enlisted men in each troop, battery, or company. During the warm season the department commanders may authorize an inexpensive straw hat, of such pattern as they may prescribe, to be worn by officers and enlisted men of their commands, on fatigue and stable duty, at target practice, and when not on duty.




The is from http://www.cspra.com/hat_history.html and is a Park Ranger info page:
The story begins in 1858, when John B. Stetson started west, possibly to die of "consumption", which he had contracted working with his family in the hat trade. There are innumerable tales of dying men regaining their health when confronted with the challenge and healthy hard work of "winning the West". But, John B. Stetson returned to Philadelphia a healthy man in 1863 to reenter the hat trade.

During the summer of 1862, while sitting around a campfire near Pike's Peak, Stetson, who had been showing his fellow wanderers the felting process, decided to make a felt hat. Using the fur from jackrabbits, beavers, skunks, and any other fur-bearing animal he could find, Stetson made his first genuine Stetson hat. It was big and very peculiar looking but it protected Stetson from the wind, rain, and sun. Some of his companions admired it, but most of them considered the odd looking hat to be a perfect object for jokes and wisecracks. But, when a Mexican bullwhacker offered him a five-dollar gold piece for it the kidding came to an abrupt halt; at the same time the first sale of a genuine Stetson hat was made.

When Stetson returned to the hat trade in Philadelphia his first commercially successful hat was copied after the one he had made earlier around the Pike's Peak campfire. Called the "Boss of the Plains", it was a natural colored hat, with a four inch brim, four inch top, and a strap which served as a band. At first it was made of one grade of material and sold for five dollars. During the years the material grew finer and the cost increased until finally a thirty-dollar price tag was attached to pure beaver, or nutria hat. This "Boss of the Plains" Is truly the hat from which all of our modern Stetsons evolved.


While I wouldn't say that the "Montana Peak isnt period I dont think it really took off until the post war period.

[cwarren64]

Thanks for the additional information. After reading this and exchanging email with Tim Allen, I agree that the Montana Peak style is probably not correct for WBTS and is more of a post war western style.
Thanks,
Warren Clark

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Thanks for the additional information. After reading this and exchanging email with Tim Allen, I agree that the Montana Peak style is probably not correct for WBTS and is more of a post war western style.
Thanks,
Warren Clark

I was always of the impression that the "Montana Peak" was a late 1880s to 1900s style.

[bmbeeman]

Well, my felt slouch just gave out on me not too long ago and I need to replace it, but before I rushed out and bought a new hat, I figured I'd get some input. I've noticed that almost 100% of Confederate reenactors wear slouch hats, how common was the slouch hat in the C.S. Army, and how often did other caps, like kepis and forage caps appear. I've seen several variations of the Confederate kepi, and I know the forage cap has two brims, and with all these options, I feel a bit overwhelmed. I'm just trying to gain some insight as to what hats were common, and hopefully this will help me in the selection of a new hat. I'm attempting to portray a Western Confederate soldier early in the war.

[CPL_Conner]

In lookinf back through "Cadet Gray and Butternut Brown" by Thomas Arliskas, I've come across something that was reported at Ft. Donelson, "Hats of every fashion worn for the last twenty years...." That's pretty broad, ranging from wheel hats to McDowell's to slouches. Remember too that some of them just went bare headed if they couldn't get a hat. Is there a more specific type soldier that you are looking to portray?

[ewtaylor]

Well, my felt slouch just gave out on me not too long ago and I need to replace it, but before I rushed out and bought a new hat, I figured I'd get some input. I've noticed that almost 100% of Confederate reenactors wear slouch hats, how common was the slouch hat in the C.S. Army, and how often did other caps, like kepis and forage caps appear. I've seen several variations of the Confederate kepi, and I know the forage cap has two brims, and with all these options, I feel a bit overwhelmed. I'm just trying to gain some insight as to what hats were common, and hopefully this will help me in the selection of a new hat. I'm attempting to portray a Western Confederate soldier early in the war.
The first thing you might want to do is go by your unit's guidlines. They should have researched documentation of your unit's uniforms and equipment. If you are an independent, then search the THOUSANDS of pics on the internet of Confederate soldiers. Western soldiers wore caps and hats of different varieties. You should be able to come up with headgear you like by viewing those photos.
Everett Taylor

[csuniforms]

The first thing you might want to do is go by your unit's guidlines. They should have researched documentation of your unit's uniforms and equipment. If you are an independent, then search the THOUSANDS of pics on the internet of Confederate soldiers. Western soldiers wore caps and hats of different varieties. You should be able to come up with headgear you like by viewing those photos.
Everett Taylor

I agree with Mr. Taylor. Check out the 100's of existing Confederate photographs and pick out a soldier and follow that picture. You should use as core research, the unit you are portraying, East or Western theatre, Early 1861, Bull Run, Missouri, or Early 1862 and the opening campaigns of the War, Fort Donelson, Peninsular, and go from there. Slow down and do a good job.

Tom Arliskas,
Cadet Gray and Butternut Brown

[NC5thCav]

Where's Charles with the NCO question?

[bmbeeman]

Well, from the looks of things, my unit doesn't seem to have any guidlines, we wear anything from a blue kepi to a slouch, and no two soldiers wear the same uniform. I guess I will take your advice and start looking at some period photographs to see if I can find something I like.

Thanks.

[CPL_Conner]

Man, you guys need to set some guidelines as far as your appearence. While the army as a whole may not be uniform, individuals would at least somewhat resemble the rest of their unit. Is there any particular unit you're portraying?

[bmbeeman]

My unit is Company A of the 3rd Florida Volunteers and I've been trying to find some information on thier uniforms, but all I can find is muster rolls.

[toptimlrd]

My unit is Company A of the 3rd Florida Volunteers and I've been trying to find some information on thier uniforms, but all I can find is muster rolls.


Brett sending you a PM.

[Hobbit]

I like the tricorn varieties for early war. Under-represented for that impression in my humble opinion.

[rebyank]

I read an account of a reb from a texas inf unit about getting headgear when theirs wore out.

basically they cut branches from trees and laid them down next to railroad tracks. when a train came by, they would turn summersualts, and generally make alot of noise, and when the people stuck their heads out the train windows to see what was going on, the soldiers would grab the branches and run em along the side of the train and wind up with piles of civillian hats that they could choose from.

so this could explain ANY kind of hat, I've even worn top hats in the ranks for early war, a good variety looks awesome.

if I can dig up the book, I will quote it.

Ian B.

[CPL_Conner]

I'll remember that the next time I see an Amtrack train!

[civil war railroader]

Hi,

Can someone direct me to any posts, websites, etc. showing men with wheel hats. I am wanting / trying to portray a civil war railroader ( engineer or fireman ) and would like to see what individuals wore wheel hats and what other garments or accessories the individuals may have had so that I can be correct.

I am aware of the book "DRESSED FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER", and told that I can find CdV's on other civil war sites. I was just hoping someone may have already whittled through the material that is out there and help me get right to the meat.

Thank you all!

Mark Phillips
Civil War Railroader
Frederick, MD

[Officer Lightoller]

I'd say, look at Dirty Billy's. He sells all kinds of hats,and they're well worth the money. Otherwise, try the QM shop.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Mr. Border Ruffian-

As to your hat label: "James Gibbes" as a name is VERY South Carolinian name. Can't confirm if he had a hat shop in Columbia, though. I can tell you the name is landed gentry from before the war there. There is a Gibbes Art Museum in Charleston near the old Farmer's Market and a Gibbes Street there too. Certain names are pretty recognizeable as "old names" in South Carolina to those that are from that great State. ;)

He was the owner of Columbia Mills Manufacturing there in Columbia SC, though and could have easily sold hats...

Try this link for research on your hat label:
http://www.sc.edu/library/socar/uscs/2005/pwhitn05.html

I am from Myrtle Beach, SC originally. Love to get back there as my heart is there, but job takes me elsewhere for now... Oh well. :(

God Bless America and South Carolina both so dear! -Johnny

[jacifus]

Johnny:

I also have a Clearwater Hat, but my label says: "Silas Carrington Beaver Hats, Savannah"...................I haven't been able to find a thing on that name.

[YoungCampaigner]

Hello All. Personally, I am a fan of mechanic's capsand wheel hats. You see them really frequently in original photographs of both civilians and millitary. Dirty Billy sells a good one but I just make my own. They are easy to make and they look really sharp if you completely hand sew them. You can see my instructions for how to make one at www.theyoungcampaigner.com.

Sincerely,
William Chapman
40th Va. Infantry
and
Signal Corps of the James
www.theyoungcampaigner.com

[YoungCampaigner]

Hello All. Personally, I am a fan of mechanic's caps and wheel hats. You see them all the time in original photos of millitary and civilians. Dirty Billy sells a nice one but I prefer to make my own. They are easy to make and they look really sharp when they are completely hand sewn. You can see my instructions on making one at www.theyoungcampaigner.com.

Sincerely,
Pvt. William Chapman
40th Va. Infantry
and
Signal Corps of the James

[SamuelCathey]

check out CS prisoner photos from late in the war. Very informative and show what hats truly looked liked after they have been in the field awhile. Reenactors aren't into floppy hats, and I understand why, but look at the evidence. Sam Cathey

[csabugler]

Hey young fella, thanks for the heads up on the cap construction. I've made a couple kepi's and forage caps, think I'll try a couple of those tomorrow out of some of my scrap materials. I wear a huge hat, size 8 1/4. Got a dimension on the bill so I can expand it to get proportion correct?

[IowaYank]

8 1/4..... WOW, I thought my 7 5/8 hat size was big. You got one big noggin Patrick!!!

[YoungCampaigner]

Hello Patick.
Hey young fella, thanks for the heads up on the cap construction. I've made a couple kepi's and forage caps, think I'll try a couple of those tomorrow out of some of my scrap materials. I wear a huge hat, size 8 1/4. Got a dimension on the bill so I can expand it to get proportion correct?

Yes. The dimensions can be altered any way that you want so that they are proportionate to your head. It should work pretty well.

[csabugler]

Yes Dan, Starbuck and Jou Blundt both called me back to clarify when I sent hat orders. It is not due to brain size, tho...

[Southern Cal]

I have a very nice wheel cap (mechanics cap) from Dirty Billy. I've seen prints and drawings of the same basic cap in use as early as 1813 by Prussian Landwehr (Militia), and circa 1830's "hunting" dress for fashionable British men, as well as such a cap worn by a Hudson's Bay Company agent, 1830's. Very versatile.