This is a sweet bullion insignia for an officer’s forage cap or slouch hat of the Civil War-early Indian Wars era.
The 1st regiment number is silver bullion, as per regulation on a black wool background.
The gold bullion is applied to black wool as well.
The wool base is 2.75 inches wide; cannons are 2.5 inches wide.
Open back which is typical of the period.
A fine example.
