GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
CIVIL WAR SLOUCH HAT, HARDEE HAT, TINTYPE OF POLHEMUS SMITH, 9TH NEW YORK HEAVY ARTILLERY.Just found in upstate New York estate were two fine Civil War hats along with small box containing 1/6th plate tintype of soldier full view with musket and gear wearing kepi with crossed cannons, most likely a "9" and "I" above and below the insignia. There is an 1889 & 1890 reunion ribbon for the 9th NY and the bottom of box is written "Polhemus Smith's hat cord, buttons and badges from the war". Box does contain a hat cord, GAR hat insignia, and eight GAR buttons. A quick search of the internet for Polhemus Smith shows him enlisting in the 9th NY Heavy Artillery, Company I, 12/21/1863, and being transferred in June 1865 to the 2nd NY Light Artillery, and later a promotion 7/6/1865 as an Articifer. Both pieces of head gear appear original and as found. The slouch hat has a wide 2-1/4" hard sweatband with a 3/8" sewn binding. It also has about 1/2" wide black & brown binding with a small japanned brass buckle and hat cord, all which appear orig to hat, including the embroidered U.S. hat insignia which is sewn with the same contemporary thread found attaching band. Hardee hat has 2" thin Moroccan sweatband with a small pasted Army contract label inside top of crown. A fairly tattered feather is sewn to side of hat terminating in a silk cockade. Around crown is a 5/8" binding with similar binding around edge perimeters. We have no doubt both of these hats are Civil War, though slouch hat appears to be a smaller size than the Hardee. Though the hats have no names or Unit markings, we are only guessing that these Civil War hats were his or his family because of the identification of the other artifacts found in same yard sale. Regardless, this is a fine pair of Civil War field hats rarely found "undisturbed". SIZE: CONDITION: Thread box that holds buttons, insignia, photograph and ribbons is broken at corners, but has preserved the ribbons and buttons quite well. Tintype shows good contrast with considerable crazing, small creases and rust on reverse. There is an accompanying single Belgium or European shot pistol in poor to fair condition overall, old cleaning, rust & pitting overall, is not mechanically functional. Hardee hat is sound & solid, sweatband is complete, orig, as is. Contract label which is marked "Size No. 7 U.S. Army J.J.&I. Phillips". Hat has several holes at perimeters of crown. Feather cockade firmly attached, both being worn. Binding ribbons both fairly complete with wear & reductions, some loose threads, as can be seen in photos. Hat overall is dirty, soiled with some mildew. Left side was originally sewn to body, and small cuts are seen in front inside of hat where Jeff Davis hat insignia & other insignia were originally attached to the front. Slouch hat is very good overall with several holes from insects. Binding worn at edges. Sweatband has several tears, but is otherwise complete. 49083-1 JS (6,000-8,000)