Man's Uniform Hat
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Captain James Harman Ward
American, 1806 - 1861
Clothing MakerMade by
Hortsman Brothers & Allien
American
Dateabout 1860
MediumHand-stitched wool, with a nap, possibly of beaver fur; silk, leather, and an unidentified embossed and printed, highly starched fabric (probably cotton)
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 8 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 16 5/8in. (21 x 13.3 x 42.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. S. A. Ward
DescriptionHat of dark, napped woven fabric. The bicorne shape is achieved by turning up two sides of the brim, these sides being wider than the brim at front or back. One side is decorated with a corded silk ribbon cockade; the other side is plain, but the brim is wider on this side, and so it stands slightly higher than the decorated side. The outer edges of the brim are bound with wide tape of a matching dark brown (originally black?) color, woven with a leafy vine design. A narrow tape hatband encircles the crown. Originally, the hat would have been decorated with a plume mounted in front, between the turned-up sides.
The hat is lined on the inside with white tulle. The top of the crown is lined with white fabric that has been heavily starched and embossed; this fabric is stamped in gold with the maker's label. A leather sweatband encircles the bottom of the crown.
The hat is lined on the inside with white tulle. The top of the crown is lined with white fabric that has been heavily starched and embossed; this fabric is stamped in gold with the maker's label. A leather sweatband encircles the bottom of the crown.
Object number1861.21.2
MarkingsPrinted in gold on embossed, starched fabric (cotton?) inside the hat's crown: "HORTSMAN BROS. & ALLIEN / IMPORTERS & DEALERS IN / MILITARY & FANCY / GOODS / 8 MAIDEN LANE / NEW YORK".NotesHistorical Note: Captain James Harman Ward was killed in battle at Matthias Point, Virginia, on 27 June 1861. He was the first Union Naval officer killed in the Civil War.Subject Terms
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