U.S. FORAGE CAP; #BP1116   This U.S. forage cap has been used but is in EXCELLENT++ condition. Size is 7 3/4 (measures 24 2/4" around the sweatband). Dark blue wool broadcloth body with welted crown and visor. Black enameled round cut leather visor. Black leather chin strap with brass chin strap slide and two small U.S. eagle side buttons. Black polished cotton lining and a hand sewn black leather sweatband. On the liner crown is a period style paper label which reads "M & G   No. 6   N.Y." Maker unknown.
.......... $65.00 + $6.50 shipping  

U.S. FORAGE CAP: #BP9340  Identical to the one above in size, style and condition but with a BROWN polished cotton liner. Maker unknown.
.......... $65.00 + $6.50 shipping  

U.S. FORAGE CAP. #BP9282   Dark blue wool broadcloth forage cap in EXCELLENT+ condition and in size is 7 3/4 (measures 24 3/4" around the sweatband). Rounded black enamel visor and enameled chin strap w/ arched style buckle or slide. Has some tiny scrapes on the left side of the visor (see photos) but could easily be touched up a little. Other than that, this cap is prime. 1st Division 2nd Corps badge on the crown (easily removed). Small U.S. eagle side buttons. Lined in a light brown cotton and has a 2" hand sewn brown leather sweatband with a knurled finish. On the top of the lining is a period style label - "SIZE No. 8   7 3/4   U.S. Army   LJ & IP". Maker unknown but most likely a Sekela cap.
.......... $85.00 + $6.50 shipping  

U.S. McDOWELL CAP. #BP8265.   Dark blue wool broadcloth McDowell pattern cap in EXCELLENT+ condition and in size is 7 5/8 (measures 23 3/4" around the sweatband). Size label indicates this cap is a size 7 but I size this cap as 7 1/2 to 7 5/8. I wear a 7 3/8 and this cap is big on me. McDowell crescent pattern black enamel visor and enameled chin strap w/ flat brass buckle or slide. Small U.S. eagle side buttons. Visor has a number of age cracks in the finish (just the finish, not the leather itself) but they do not detract from the overall fine appearance of this cap. Lined in a dark brown polished cotton and has a 1 3/4" hand sewn brown leather sweatband. On the top of the lining is a period style label - "Size No. 3   7   U.S. ARMY   B.A. Keune". As indicated on the label, made by Brad Keune.
.......... $95.00 + $6.50 shipping  

C.S. FIELD GRADE OFFICER'S KEPI. #BP4343. Made in a Cadet Gray wool broadcloth with a dark blue wool broadcloth side band. This cap is in beautiful condition and if worn, it was worn very little. Size is 7 1/2 - 7 5/8 (measures 23 1/2" around the sweatband). Three rows (Major to Colonel) of small metallic gold lace quartering the rise, three rows around the side band and three of the same for the quarterfoil on the crown. Single thickness black leather visor and two-piece black leather chin strap. Side buttons are Virginia State seals (easily changed out if needed). Lined in a black polished cotton with a hand sewn dark red leather sweatband. Maker unknown but may very well be a Dirty Billy.
.......... $95.00 + $6.50 shipping    

C.S. ARTILLERY, ENLISTED MAN'S CAP  Made in a blue-ish gray slightly course wool (for the rise) and a fine weave red wool for the side band and crown. Used but evidently very little as this cap is in great condition. Size is 7 5/8 to 7 3/4 (measures 23 1/2" around the sweatband). Black enameled single thickness visor with a black painted cloth chin strap. Side buttons are small black composition material (and might even be plastic - can't tell for sure). However, they are easily changed out if desired. Inside we have an osnaburg lining and a hand sewn brown leather sweatband. A former owner's initial's are written on the liner crown. Maker unknown.
.......... $30.00 + $6.50 shipping  

U.S. DARK BLUE ZOUAVE KEPI: #BP2372. This kepi was originally set up for the 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry ("Birney's Zouaves"). However, by removing the 6th Corps badge the cap will also work great for the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry ("Philadelphia Fire Zouaves") and also the 95th Pennsylvania Infantry ("Gosline's Zouaves"). Size is a 7. This cap has seen some service but remains in overall VERY GOOD+ condition! Dark blue wool broadcloth body that is quartered in a thin red soutache braid. On the crown is a 3rd Division 6th Corps badge with a bullion wire edge. Previously sewn on to the cap were the numerals "23" and their outline remains. Black leather visor with bound edge and a black leather chin strap. Visor is enameled but showing it's age. U.S. Eagle side buttons. Black cotton lining with a quilted design on the top. Hand sewn black pig skin sweatband. Maker unknown but definitely from one of the high end makers.
.......... $40.00 + $6.50 shipping  

C.S. ARTILLERY OFFICER; LOUISIANA. #BP6652.   C.S. artillery lieutenant's cap with Louisiana side buttons (easily changed out if desired). Size is 6 & 7/8 ( measures 22" around the sweatband). This cap appears to be a good example of a mid to late war C.S. cap as it is made out of a wool flannel and has a painted black cotton sweat band. Fabric for the rise and crown is a madder red (like a brick red) wool flannel and black wool broadcloth was used for the side band. Bound leather visor - black enamel on the top and green enamel on the bottom. Side buttons are small Louisiana "Pelican" buttons. The chin strap is a replacement but lends itself to that late war look. Like the side buttons the chin strap can be changed out as well. Cap is quartered in a single thin strand of metallic gold braid with a trefoil deign on the crown. Lining is a plain black cotton and the sweatband is black painted cloth sewn in by hand. Cap has a small repair on the back at the seam line (see photos). Maker unknown.
.......... $35.00 + $6.50 shipping  

C.S. STIFFENED KEPI; LOUISIANA. #BP3120. And now for something completely different ... When we first saw this item we thought it was a shako but it better satisfies the definition of a stiffened kepi. This cap is loosely based on the Lt. W.R> MacBeth stiffened kepi as seen in Echoes Of Glory/Confederacy page 158. We size this item as a 7 1/4 . Cadet gray wool body with a treated jean wool stiffener on the inside for support. The crown is a royal blue wool. No lining. The cap's side band is faced with a 1 1/4" wide enameled black leather band. The body is trimmed in a thin metallic gold braid. Black decorative (non-functioning) chin strap with large U.S. Staff eagle side buttons. Wide bound edged black enameled visor - leather on top and fabric on the bottom. The visor has a smudge or mark on the top but it is not a major drawback and may be able to be touched up a little (see photos). The black leather sweatband is 2" wide and is sewn in by hand. Decorating the front of this cap is a 2" x 2 1/2"oval shaped stamped brass Louisiana State seal badge. This cap does not appear to have been worn a lot if at all and may have been a display item only. Privately made.
.......... $65.00 + shipping (e-mail me your zip code and I'll get you an exact shipping quote)  

C.S. TAN JEAN WOOL FORAGE CAP: #BP4130. Made out of a tan jean wool and follows the pattern lines of the standard U.S. forage caps. Size is 7 1/2 - 7 5/8" (measures 23 3/4" around the sweatband). Welted pasteboard crown and soft side band. Soft brown leather visor with a bound edge. Brown leather chin strap with flat coin style brass buttons. Lined in a "butterscotch" color checkered cotton shirting. A 1 1/2" wide brown leather sweatband is sewn in by hand. This cap is in EXCELLENT++ condition. Maker unknown.
.......... $45.00 + $6.50 shipping  

C.S. TAN JEAN WOOL KEPI w/ BROWN SIDE BAND: #BP6566. This ENTIRELY HAND SEWN light tan low crown jean wool kepi very much resembles the Chasseur style in its overall (low) height and pattern. Used but in VERY GOOD condition. Has some smudges and marks on it - especially the crown where there seems to have been some type of fabric or fabric insignia attached at one time. There are some areas of fade but the cap remains in very solid physical condition both inside and out. Size is 7 1/2 to 7 5/8 (measures 23 1/2" around the sweatband). Light tan colored rise and crown and a brown wool side band. Single thickness brown leather visor and a two-piece brown leather chin strap. Side buttons are small brown wooden ones ... although one MAY be some type of composite material like gutta percha (can't tell for sure). Inside we have a small check maroon/tan cotton shirting liner and a hand sewn brown pig skin sweatband.
.......... $30.00 + $6.50 shipping  

HARDEE'S HAT: ENLISTED w/ INFANTRY TRIMMINGS. #RP9006.   This 100% wool enlistedman's Hardee's Hat is in SUPER condition inside and out and appears to have been principally just a display item. Size is 7 5/8 - 7 & 3/4 (measures 23 1/2" around the sweatband). No stitching around the edge of the brim. Full compliment of brass from the side eagle to the Infantry horn as well as company ("A") and regimental ("6") designation (Company A, 6th Wis. Vols., Iron Brigade). Backing the #6 is a wool 1 Div. 1st Corps badge. Also featured is a wool infantry hat cord. This cord is a little long causing the tassels to hang over the front. However, that's very easily remedied by reknotting them under the tassel. Machine sewn black sweatband but am not sure if its natural leather or simulated leather (naugahyde). No maker's label. Nonetheless a very nice Hardee's hat ready to be retrimmed (if necessary) and put back into service. A little brushing would be helpful.
.......... $50.00 + shipping (e-mail me your zip code and I'll get you an exact shipping quote)

Outer . . . Inner

U.S. 1839 "MEXICAN WAR" CAP; #MS9099 Mexican War/Seminole War era U.S. Army wheel cap. Maker unknown. Doesn't appear to have been worn much if at all. Size 7 5/8 - 7 3/4 (measures 23 1/2" around the inside). Medium weight dark blue wool body with a padded/welted crown (which gives some weight to this cap). Cap features the button-up/fold-down neck protector with tie and hand sewn button holes. Cap also features the sharply pointed black leather visor (also called the "Best Pattern" visor I believe) plus an adjustable chin strap, plain brass side buttons and a green cotton liner. Previous owner added a small brass eagle to the cap front (easily removed if desired).
.......... $55.00 + $6.50 shipping    Outer . . . Inner

HAT; BLACK “PHIL SHERIDAN”: #TR6780.   This “Phil Sheridan” style hat was made by Dirty Billy. Used but in GREAT condition! Size is 6 & 7/8 to 7 (measures 21 ½” around the sweatband). Slightly flared crown with a slightly recessed flat top. Flat brim measuring 2 ½” inches wide. Brim edge is bound in black grosgrain top. The hat also features a black 2” wide band around the side. Lined in a royal blue silk liner. Liner is in excellent physical condition but does show some marks on the top. The owner indicates some of this mark was from a gold painted manufacturers stencil that was on the lining and most of this is the remnant of that stencil. However, this does not affect the condition of the lining. Handsewn oxblood color (dark maroon) thin leather sweatband measuring 2 ¼” wide. The hat looks like a blueish/purple in the photos due to the very bright lights for the photographs. However, the hat is in fact BLACK.
.......... $45.00 + $9.00 shipping    3 Outer views . . . 3 Inner views

SHIRT; BROWN/GRAY JEAN WOOL: #TR3638. This JEAN WOOL shirt is cut very similar to the U.S. domet flannel shirts but without the falling collar (this shirt of collarless). Size is 36" chest - but may fit 38" if individual is of slim build). Sleeves (as measured from the center of the back of the neck, over the shoulder and down the arm) are 33". Neck opening is a generous 20". Body length is 25" down the front and slightly longer (by design) down the back. Front button plaquet with panel that hides (covers) the four small bone buttons. This shirt is BRAND NEW, NEVER WORN (was laundered prior to shipping it up though) and features golden yellow 1/2" wool twill tape trimming around the front plaquet and around the neck opening. Sleeves feature underarm gussets and a bone button at each cuff. Machine-sewn main seams. The shirts bottom hem plus cuff hems are machine-sewn. However, all the body main seam edges are rolled and hand felled. Shirt has shoulder reinforcements. Side seams are split and have separate facings that are felled by hand. Maker unknown.
.......... $70.00 + $8.00 shipping    Outside views . . . Inside views

HAVERSACK; BLUE TICKING: #AM1242   This copy of the Moses Alexander haversack is BRAND NEW, NEVER USED. Measures 11" wide x 11" tall and has a 44 1/2" long carrying strap. The bag is made from a sturdy blue striped cotton ticking and is ENTIRELY HAND SEWN. No inner bag as per original design. Rounding out this haversack is a hand sewn button hole and a 5/8" wide natural bone button. Made by AKM Dry Goods.
.......... $30.00 + $4.00 shipping   

HAVERSACK; BLUE STRIPED COTTON: #TR1295   This CS haversack is made from a blue striped cotton and is double thick throughout. Entirely machine-sewn including button hole on the front cover. Measures 12" wide x 14 1/2" tall and has a 42" carrying strap. This item has been USED and has just a tiny bit of wear along the bottom edge of the front flap (see photos). There is also a small pinkish stain on the lower front part of the bag. Other than for these points this haversack is in EXCELLENT++ condition inside and out. Freshly laundered and ready to go back into service. Maker unknown.
.......... $12.50 + $4.00 shipping   

SHELTER HALF ENDS. One Pair. #JW4453. These two shelter triangular half end pieces have been to the field and have seen service. They are heaviy stained with that black that develops on tentage after getting wet. However, save for one tiny hole at the bottom of one piece, these end pieces are physically solid. The canvas is strong and without physical damage (save for that one tiny hole - more info on that below) and the stitching and button holes are tight and intact. There are 14 pewter buttons on one end piece and 13 on the other. This second piece is missing one button down near one of the bottom corners. There is a tiny hole there (as mentioned above) and we initially thought it was wear damage. However, it is right where the missimg button would have been sewn on so the hole is probably from the button popping off and pulling the threads through to make the small hole. We can supply a small square of cotton drill for the new owner to make a small backing from if he wants to put on a new button (if desired). Sorry, we don't have any pewter buttons on hand or we'd throw one in as well. These end pieces measure 65" across the base and 56" up the sides. Entirely machine sewn. Maker unknown. Photos up soon.

NOTE: Just to mention it, over the years I've heard gents mentioning using bleach to take out these black stains on tentage. Be careful when doing that as bleach will wipe out canvas in a flash. Too much bleach eats holes in cotton. These areas turn to powder when dry. So whether you intend to bleach these end pieces or do similar work with your own tentage, go VERY LIGHT on the bleach. I used to set my dog tent up on the back yard, then with a bucket of water with a hand full of detergent and about 1/8 cup of Clorox in it, I'd scrub the tent down with a stiff bristle brush, let it sit wet for about 15 minutes and then rinse the whole thing off with the hose. Then I'd let it throughly air dry in the Sun. Between the washing with a VERY MILD bleach mix and air drying in the Sun, whatever black is gonna come out of the canvas will do it at that time. However, you'll NEVER get it all out so just roll with what ya get from the above cleaning process. The black is a mold process from storing wet or damp canvas. Wanna beat the black mold stains? Then just make sure the tentage is dry before you put it away for your next event. Storage in damp closets or damp basements DO NOT help.

Sorry for the laundry lesson but just wanted to pass on my 41 years of experience in the hobby to any new fellows reading this.
.......... $20.00 for the pair + shipping. E-mail me your mailing address and I'll get you an exact shipping quote.

ENFIELD BAYONET FROG: #NC5770: This dark brown leather Enfield bayonet frog has seen a little service and has a couple small dings but is in GREAT condition overall! Stamped "CS" on the lower front. No other marks. Oval brass buckle and strap closure. Measures 8" tall. Sutler row.
.......... $5.00 + $2.50 shipping   

RAIN COVER: #BP8114. Black oil cloth rain cover for a forage cap. Measures 24" around the bottom edge. No side button holes; just a pull-over job. I'm not exactly sure what this fabric is: could be black oil cloth or a modern black vinyl. Either way it has a glossy black top surface with a pale gray underlayment. Machine sewn. Sutler row item.
.......... $5.00 + $1.50 First Class Mail shipping   

R.D. PATTERN TARRED WAIST BELT W/ ROLLER BUCKLE. #JH8389: Richmond Depot style tarred cotton drill with hand sewn leather ends and a single tine black roller buckle (with retainer loop). Measures 1 7/8" wide. Range of adjustment is 46" minimum and 56" maximum. In EXCELLENT++ condition and originally from S & S Sutler in Gettysburg.
.......... $65.00 + $6.50 shipping   

.58 CALIBER LEATHER ACCOUTREMENT SET: #JB1008.  This set is BRAND NEW NEVER USED and consists of a cartridge box with U.S. plate and tins, cartridge box sling, waist belt with brass keeper and a brass tipped 7-rivet bayonet scabbard. This set DOES NOT HAVE an Eagle breast plate for the sling, a U.S. waist belt plate, a cap box nor a bayonet. The cartridge box, cartridge box sling and waist belt were originally made by Cary Davisson. The bayonet scabbard was made by Jan Berger. The waist belt and cartridge box sling are made from a dark brown leather with black dyed surfaces. The cartridge box and bayonet were made of a natural colored leather with black dyed surfaces. No marks or stamps except on the bayonet scabbard which reads "J.H. BERGER". Total working length on the belt is 44" (not counting the couple extra inches when a belt plate is added). So with that figure when worn over a sack coat it will work for an individual with up to a max waist size of about 42", maybe 43". The owner WILL NOT break up this set.
.......... $200.00 (price INCLUDED shipping)    Box ... Sling ... Scabbard ... Belt