Military Officer's "Chapeau de Bras" bicorn hat of black felt construction with silk trim, likely pre-Civil War era, although these hats are sometimes seen in period Civil War images (reference Civil War era photograph of Major General Nathaniel Banks holding a nearly identical hat). This was an optional style of headgear in the Civil War in which the regulations allowed a light "French chapeau" for generals, staff officers and chaplains. This bicorn style of hat evolved from the tricorn hat of the Revolutionary War era. These hats came to be worn in a "fore and aft" style like this example rather than the side-to-side "athwart" Napoleon style. This example features decorative gold colored accents and 23 stars surrounding a large silver United States eagle and shield at center below the "E PLURIBUS UNUM" marked silver ribbon. Gold bullion accents on the ends. The decorated interior has a black leather sweatband, black leather, and a gold colored logo with an eagle and shield above a boxed "JOHN MAYELL,/Maker,/ALBANY." of New York. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, with only light wear, one of the stars drooping slightly, and silver retains an attractive bright patina.