War of 1812 Era Officer’s Chapeau In Wallpaper Box – SOLD

Description

War of 1812 Era Officer’s Chapeau In Wallpaper Box.

James Wilson is found listed from 1819 to 1825, however, there are several years earlier, were no listing are found. The style of this chapeau is that of the 1812 era give or take a several years. The four bands of gold bullion cording usually suggest the rank of a field grade officer, and in this case, a recent pencil attribution states this chapeau was worn by “Colonel Joseph Fry,” written on the inside of the lid of the box.

The label for Wilson is silk, illustrated with an eagle on globe (indicative of New York Militia insignia), and other views, address, etc.  The sweat band has three separate tighter draw strings made of silk.

The beaver fur felt body is in very good condition with some wear, and light damage at the folds toward each of the points. The body is embellished with decorative bordered silk banding, around the arch, and diagonally applied on the front only.  A large cockade of silk cut with zig-zag edges, and several folds fills the upper front.  A round gilt rosette with the four bands of cording runs upward toward the border.  The diagonal banding has some tears, and wear at the base of the chapeau, but generally for the age is in very good shape.

All the strings that hold the brims to the hat are present and holding.  Both of the gilt tassels are present. The original white feather plume is in fine condition, and has an extension at the top that shows a light blue color, having lost most of the color over time.  The entire height of the plume is 19″.

The wallpaper box conforms to the dimensions of the chapeau, and is 6 inches deep.  Some seams at the lead, and at the bottom of the main box have separated and repaired enough to hold it firmly together. It has stains that are very old, probably sitting to long out of view in an attic. The wallpaper is of a simple pattern with a different colored paper for accent.  It is not common to find these chapeaus in their original boxes, in any condition.

I have found information on Col. Fry.

A wonderful piece of headgear, and very displayable.