6th Massachusetts Infantry Officer’s Forage Cap. – SOLD

Description

This is an un-identified Massachusetts Volunteer Militia officer’s forage cap from the late 1880s to Spanish American War era.  It was made by Bent & Bush, Boston, a quality Boston firm that not only supplied state military uniform materials, but also had several U.S. Army contracts over the years.

Dark blue wool cap has an applied panel with bullion crossed rifles and the regiment numeral.  The side buttons are the Mass. State seal, and the chin strap is the most popular with officers of this period, the bullion rope style.  The wool is in fine condition with a few areas with moth holes, and some moth tracking, but not overly visible.  One area in particular is on the right side were some leather finish melded onto the wool.  I have not tried to take this off, but I have had success working the problem slowly.  The mothing is heaviest in this small area.

The lining show wear, and the sweatband is largely unattached, as the stitching has broken from dryness and age.  A silk loop (broken) was used to hang the cap when not in use.

Despite some condition issued, a most handsome cap and displays wonderfully.