Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a fantastic example of this early type of forage cap. These are most commonly associated with the Seminole Wars and Cherokee Relocation Campaigns. All examples of these collapsible forage caps, in any condition, is a rarity in their own, but to find one in condition such as this one is nearly impossible!

The cap retains a very nice form with just enough dip in the crown to show its ability to fold in the field. Fire gold gilded brass eagle to front corresponds to the 1832 cap insignia shown in the Smithsonian bulletin 235, Figure 37, pg. 25. Cap is original in all respects with only slight repairing via glue to the rear of the tarred bill to preserve its shape.

Original sweatband and makers label are period. Remnants of makers label to crown reads:

"H.F.A. RICHARDSON - HARNESS & TRUNK MANUFACTURER, MILITARY ACCOUTREMENTS & C. - SHOP - HANOVER ST. MANCHESTER, H.H."

This brass band adornment under eagle is solid and secured by 1/2" brass rivets on either side. Leather reinforcing band around the rear base of the hat is secured by four additional rivets.

These types of caps were also seen being worn during the Texas Revolution as they were supplied with “military surplus” items during the time. West Point cadets were adorned with this exact style cap in accordance with the current (at the time) US Military uniform standards.

This is an incredible example, one that will not be encountered any time soon. Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Second Seminole War
The Second Seminole War, also known as the Florida War, was a conflict from 1835 to 1842 in Florida between the United States and groups collectively known as Seminoles, consisting of Native Americans and Black Indians. It was part of a series of conflicts called the Seminole Wars. The Second Seminole War, often referred to as the Seminole War, is regarded as "the longest and most costly of the Indian conflicts of the United States". After the Treaty of Payne's Landing in 1832 that called for the Seminole's removal from Florida, tensions rose until open hostilities started with the Dade battle. For the next four years, the Seminole and the U.S. forces engaged in small engagements and by 1842 only a few hundred native peoples remained in Florida. The war was declared over on August 14, 1842.