Pattern of 1883 – 1889 U.S. Army Campaign Hat – Late Indian War to Spanish American War

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Pattern of 1883 – 1889 U.S. Army Campaign Hat – Late Indian War to Spanish American War – These hats, usually denoted as the Pattern 1883/1889, were issued during the late, Indian War period and would continue to be issued during the Spanish-American War. This rare hat remains in overall, very good condition, exhibiting evidence of having been issued and worn. Constructed of pressed felt, the latter remains clean and strong, with no creases or holes. This example does not have the earlier “snowflake” vent piercing in the sides of the crown of the hat. The black, ribbed silk ribbon trim around the crown is intact, including the proper flat bow, although the stitching holding the ribbon in place has come loose as a result of period, outdoor wear. The full form crown exhibits no breaks or tears, also evidencing the characteristic blocking with the top of the crown somewhat wider than the base – a unique aspect of these late frontier hats. The front of the exterior of the hat, at the front peak of the crown, exhibits what was probably the imprint and slight discoloration induced when the period wearer “pinched” the cap with his thumb and forefinger, to remove the hat. The hat retains its original, alternating gold and black hat cord, denoting the wearer was an enlisted man or lower echelon officer. No sweat band remains in the hat, only traces of its original position can be seen. These late 19^TH century US Army campaign hats are rarely found today, as they endured a considerable amount of outdoor weather exposure in the period of use; additionally, the men who wore these hats frequently continued to wear them after their service careers terminated, thereby wearing them until the hats became completed deteriorated.