Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a fantastic piece of history that dates back to pre Civil War Era during the 1820s. 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.
These caps were intended as a Dress Hat, and not too many survived the ages due to their fragile nature. This example is in fact not very "foldable", which is probably why it has survived until today in such great condition. It is semi-rigid, and measures approximately 18" x 12", and even comes in a lovely hat tin, which measures 20 1/2" x 13 1/2" x 7 1/2". The tin has a latch at the bottom which is still mostly functional.
The hat features large black cockade in the center of the front, with coiled bullion cords across the center. These Caps were universal, with the only distinction being the branch of service button affixed to the cockade on the right side of the cap or the insignia which is not present on this one. There are also the usual small bullion cord tassels at the points, though on these later caps they do not hang down below.
The interior is lined with cream silk lining and leather sweatband. The top of the lining has a full manufacturer's marking which reads as:
WARREN STANWOOD & CO
29 TREMONT ROW,
BOSTON.
A lovely, scarce named example that comes complete with its original storage / transportation tin. More than ready for further research and display!
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