M1858 Forage Cap With Regimental & Company Insignia.

M1858 Forage Cap With Regimental & Company Insignia. This is an original forage cap complete with the lining.

First the history behind this cap. Originally this came out of Maine, and then purchased by a well known Massachusetts Dealer in the Boston area. It was a grouping identified to CHARLES RICHARDSON 59TH MASS INF.

That former dealer discovered that the corps badge that was originally on the cap was incorrect for the 59th Mass Inf. The lot has been through a few auctions over many years, and come out this year, when I purchased the lot. Doing the research, I found the problem with the corps badge, and determined the price of the lot was worth its value as separate items.

I removed the corps badge from the cap, one of older wool but not sewn down with original period thread. The regiment number, and company letter looked correct, (the “K” an original insignia, likely had  been replace to conform to the Richardson ID., and a separate hole in the lining shows another numeral was there)  The left side button was missing, and I replaced that.

The cap is in very good condition, and certainly worth what I am offering it at. Every item in the grouping was sold at cost, as with this piece.

To figure this as just a plain forage without insignia- and its condition, the price is more than fair.  No other restoration done; light mothing. The two leather slides on the chinstrap are loose, but original.