Civil War officer's regulation style forage cap. The cap is constructed of dark blue wool with patent leather bill and chin strap. The chin strap is secured by two regulation style Federal brass buttons. The interior is lined with brown cotton and has a brown leather sweatband. The front of the cap has a small sewn, gold bullion insignia which consists of "U.S." surrounded by a wreath. A brass unit number "68" is attached to the hat crown. A distinctive cockade consisting of some white fur, several feathers and some coiled bullion wire is attached to the right side of the cap behind the chinstrap button. Identification of the regiment associated with this cap is not possible. The only "U.S." Federal unit with a "68" designation was the 68th Infantry Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. However, many states had Federalized "U.S." regiments with "68" designations. The unusual cockade indicates the owner was an officer in a state unit rather than a Federal regiment which would have regulation insignia.

About good. The original blue wool has faded to a greenish brown. There are several small areas of insect damage on the edges of the crown and on the hat body. The leather bill and chin strap have age cracking. There is flaking on the edges of the bill. The sweatband has been restitched to the bill and is torn in one spot. The lining is good overall. The unique cockade is fair. This is an interesting example of a typical Civil War Federal officer's forage cap.