Original Mexican-American War Era Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Bicorne Chapeau Officer’s Hat by George B. Foster Military Store of Boston - 1840-1852
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is an outstanding but heavily worn and repaired Officer’s Chapeau-Bras, worn by an officer of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia during the Mexican American War period. The chapeau was manufactured by George B. Foster Military Store located at 29 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts. Foster was only located at 29 Tremont Row from 1840-1852, dating this precisely to the Mexican American War period. There are several pieces that are loose or have already fallen off and may need to be sewn back on, but the hat is certainly in good condition for being 180 years old.
A Chapeau-Bras, which translates literally to “hat arm”, is a bicorne hat that is designed to be compressed and carried under the arm, formerly worn on dress occasions by men in the 18th Century, and later in the United States Army by General and Staff Officers. This type chapeau was worn at a slight angle or 'sideways' atop the head.
The hat has great bullion fringe on the primary side meant to be held in by three spiral bullion bosses. Two of the three are still attached but the third has fallen off and is still included. It could be sewn back into place with the fringe sewn to it as it is meant to be displayed. Each side bears an officer’s Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Button, which is maker-marked to the back for R&W Robinson Makers, Attleborough, Mass. This company was active from 1834-1848, making them original to this hat.
Both sides of the hat retain tie strings to keep it “closed”. Each side has a bullion knot which is now disconnected, but both are retained and will look good for display purposes, but could be resewn if one wished. The red felt-backed cord is retained but shows heavy wear. The soft material covering the chapeau is very worn and missing in places as shown.
The interior retains the now very weak leather sweatband with a silk crown bearing the maker’s label of George B. Foster Military Store of Boston. There are also some inscriptions, possibly a name. The sweatband is mostly disconnected but is still present. The size is roughly 7 ¼, quite large for this period.
A very beautiful example with some issues, but very difficult to find in any condition. Ready for repair and display.
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