Civil War Type II Federal Issue Enlisted Man’s Forage Cap

Civil War Type II Federal Issue Enlisted Man’s Forage Cap – This Type II U.S. issue, enlisted man’s forage cap remains in overall very good condition; there are modest areas of relatively small nips, but the broadcloth, dark blue wool remains strong and maintains great color. The original chinstrap, affixed with two, general service, eagle cuff buttons, retains its sheet brass adjuster buckle; the brim is in overall very good condition. The interior of the cap exhibits its original dark, silk lining, although the crown’s fabric cover is no longer present. The original sweatband remains, with a small break visible; the period buckram stiffener can be seen behind the sweatband. Attached to the center of the pasteboard crown is the contractor’s, paper label, still adhering to small remnants of the original lining – the label reads as follows:

“U.S. ARMY

J. & I PHILLIPS”

Lewis J. and Isaac Phillips of New York City, had very significant numbers of U.S. Army contracts for caps, producing them throughout the entire war, supplying nearly 800,000 caps to the Union Army. An advertisement for the Phillips firm, in the New York Times April 25, 1861 edition stated: “MILITARY CONTRACTS. L.J. & I. PHILLIPS, Nos. 64 and 66 Broadway. Call the attention of all REGIMENTS forming in aid of the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT to their extensive facilities for filling CONTRACTS FOR CAPS. Being the LARGEST CAP HOUSE IN THE UNITED STATES.”