Original Item: Only one available. This is a fine example of a Indian Wars New York State Issue Model 1872 chasseur-style kepi in service worn condition. As issued to both enlisted men and officer’s during this period. This cap bears the maker stamp in the crown stiffener for the firm of Cotrell and Leonard of Albany, New York.

This Federal Chasseur Pattern Kepi features fabric of very fine blue wool broadcloth. The crown stands nearly 2 1/4" high at the front, 4 1/2" at the rear seam and the top is 4 1/2" in diameter, stiffened with a pasteboard beneath the lining. The body of the cap meets a band of wool seamed only at the rear and stiffened with leather. The cap's interior is lined with brown polished cotton which is still well attached to the top seam. The Moroccan leather sweatband is 1 3/8" wide. The flat visor is original to the hat, and composed of painted leather. The condition is good with a great service worn look to it, but there is however scattered moth nips, “termite trails” in the service as well as a partial detach with the visor.

There are no side buttons present or chinstrap, making this difficult to determine what state this belonged to, but it is our belief to have been New York due to the manufacturer. The interior pasteboard is embossed with a maker's name and logo. The crown markings are as follows:

472
BROADWAY
474
COTRELL & LEONARD
ALBANY

Joshua Cotrell established his store selling fur hats and caps on South Market St. (Broadway) in 1832. By 1848 his prosperous business had moved to State St. In the late 1860s his son Edgar and son-in-law Daniel Leonard came into the business; upon Joshua’s death the late 1870s they changed the firm name to Cotrell and Leonard, In 1884, the company, much expanded and selling a full range of furs, traveling garments and accessories, moved to the Broadway address ( where Tricentennial Park is located today).

Indian Wars and Civil War ‘chasseur style’ kepis are quite popular. This wonderful example will make an excellent addition to any military headgear collection!