June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/13/2019
Once of the scarcest pieces of federal regulation headgear, this style hat was worn by both officers and enlisted men during the Great Sioux War of 1876. It is often associated as the hat most likely worn by Custer's troopers on that fateful day in June 1876. Manufactured by Pettibone under a US Government contract, these have a very limited survival rate due to their limited popularity, fragility of the design, material of the hat, and the harsh conditions in which they were used. You can count how many have surfaced for sale in the last 20 years on one hand. CONDITION: Shows period wear overall, but retains its black grosgrain band around the base of the crown. The four japanned metal hooks are all in place as well as 75% of the silk ribbon treatment along the leading edges of the brim. PROVENANCE: Dr. Frank Wagner cavalry museum collection.
Condition: (Good).