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