Man's Uniform Cap
Original OwnerProbably originally owned by
Col. Frank W. Cheney
(American, 1832 - 1909)
HatterMade by
M. C. Lilley & Co.
(American)
Date1890-1900
MediumMachine-stitched dark blue fine wool broadcloth, with plain-woven silk lining, worsted wool braid, metallic gold braid and twist cord, a black leather visor, brass hardware, and buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length front of visor to cap back x crown height x visor width): 10 x 3 1/4 x 7 1/2in. (25.4 x 8.3 x 19.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Gerald Doherty
DescriptionConnecticut National Guard officer's uniform forage cap. Largely machine-stitched of dark blue fine wool broadcloth, with a 1 1/2-inch-wide band of black worsted wool braid encircling the base of the cap. Around the top and bottom edges of this braid band are 1/2-inch-wide bands of metallic gold braid, which are partially held in place by means of short, steel common pins. The ends of the braid have been tied off with yellow cotton thread, suggesting that this braid attachment is a later addition. There is a gold metallic thread twist cord with braided slides across the front of the cap, held in place by two small, Connecticut state seal buttons. The buttons are back marked, "M C LILLEY & CO. COLUMBUS". At the center front of the cap above the worsted band, the letter "K" is embroidered in silver thread. This is, presumably, the company designation. The cap has a black leather visor edged with thin, black leather. There are two brass eyelet ventilation holes on either side of the crown.
The cap appears to have had a leather sweatband, as evidenced by thread tufting; that sweatband is now missing. The cap is lined by dark brown, plain-woven silk. This lining is stamped with a maker's mark (see Marks).
The cap appears to have had a leather sweatband, as evidenced by thread tufting; that sweatband is now missing. The cap is lined by dark brown, plain-woven silk. This lining is stamped with a maker's mark (see Marks).
Object number1990.151.0
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