Hat question from Plankmaker...

[sbl]

The Plankmaker asked me to post this photo of Gen. John R. Broke 's staff. It must be post CW/WBTS. Any Ideas on the hat/cap of the fellow in the greatcoat on the far right? Fur cap? Folded slouch hat? Civilian? Thanks in advance....

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u100/sbl1952/MarksPicture1.jpg

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

That is indeed a civilian style cap which was quite popular amongst outdoorsmen from the 1830's until almost the turn of the century in varying styles. You can find various incarnations of them from minor images out west, hunters and fishermen from east to west, and the Currier and Ives prints. Often times you will find them on big city folks trying to adapt to the outdoor ways (a way to look "cool"), however they are quite functional and comfortable particularly in cold weather situations.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

I believe that style cap was a military issued item during the Indian War years. Wounded Knee ring any bells? As I believe the US Soldiers stationed out there were wearing this style overcoat and cap. The caps may have been made of buffalo skins.

It may take me a few days...but I believe there was an article in one of the more recent Company of Military Historians Journals about the uniform from this period of the Indian Wars (Post-American Civil War).

Paul B.

[Blair]

Hats of this type, along with great coats and mittens became issue items to troops stationed on the frontier during the 1880's. Usually made from hair-on buffalo hide. Buffalo blanket robes were issue items for Wagoniers and Teamsters.
You may find the examples of the great coat in the photos taken of the 7th Cav at/after Wonded Knee.
Blair Taylor

[sbl]

I'm seen photos and illustrations the issue fur cap. This one looks a little like it. The man is wearing infantry OR civilian leggings. Plankmaker will be glad for the replies.

[sbl]

"Wounded Knee ring any bells?"

Unfortunatey Yes it does, yes it does....

Thanks for the lead on the Company of Military Historians Journals.

[plankmaker]

That is a picture of Gen. John Rutter Brooke on the Souix Reservation taken in 1891. He is the older guy in the middle and those on either side of him are his staff. The dude on the far right always had me puzzled. Its almost as if the Gen. and his staff are laughing at him.

Thanks for the replies.

Mark Campbell
Piney Flats, TN

[Blair]

The two men on the right also appear to be wearing some sort of leggings as well.
The fur hatted fellow's coat appears to be quite light in color compared to the standard dark blue color which was typical for this period. (?)
Blair Taylor

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Yep, I was wrong - found two pics of the same style hat attributed to the US Army in the mid 1880's out west but can't seem to get them to load on here. I'll try to get my scanner working again. Thanks Paul and Blair for passing on better info!

[plankmaker]

The closures on the great coat appear to be similar to those I have seen on officers greatcoat, but the color is way too light.

Mark Campbell
Piney Flats, TN

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

The closures on the great coat appear to be similar to those I have seen on officers greatcoat, but the color is way too light.

Mark Campbell
Piney Flats, TN
Those closures are quite common on officer greatcoats, even back into the CW. As officer garments were privately purchased and contracted for, you'll find alot of variance.

[Blair]

Ross,
There is a well know photo of "Wild Bill" wearing a fur hat. And we shouldn't forget those drawings and painting of Ben Franklin and his fur hat. The style goes back for quite some time in one form or other.
Blair Taylor

[jda3rd]

Could he possibly be a visiting European or Russian officer?

Frank Brower

[Poor Private]

Do you think it might be a Russian Guest (observer)?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

There are several photos I've found with almost the exact piece of headgear, on known US Army officers, to include an image of Lt. Col Custer of the 7th Cav, so I don't believe that the officer in question on the original image is a foreign observer. As previously stated, the Army issued many fur and buffalo hide items.