Modified/Telescoped AoP Hardee Hats

[South Bay]

Hi All,
This is my first post, but I have a question regarding Army of the Potamac Hardee hats. To what extent would they have been modified in shape (telescoped or other) and accepted for use? I realize that this is a pretty general question, but right now I only portray a generic Yank.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

It is a general question that will warrant a general answer. By and large, you would see less of that practice in the AoP than with their brothers in the western theater, as most regiments, at least from 61-late 63 were prescribed to wear a forage cap. When they did wear a Hardee, it was worn as the intended dress hat (of course, the exceptions to that were the boys of the Iron Brigade and a few other assorted regiments). That is not to say some soldiers didn't modify their dress hat, but largely the photographic evidence bears the fact that a lot (most) wore a forage cap for fatigue and battle for the first part of the war. That changes a tad as the war progressed, McClellan leaving command, and taking longer to issue supplies or for soldiers to purchase items. If you wish to portray the generic yank of the AoP, I would greatly recommend the use of a forage cap.

[Rob Weaver]

The two surviving Iron Brigade hats are both still "standing tall," if you will, and kitted out with bugle, hat cord and eagle, with the side turned up. In the 7th Wisconsin, there is photographic evidence of wearing the hat with the cord and brass, but with the brim flat all the way around. There was a tendency to punch down the crowns into a "cowboy hat," but this shows up in 1864 photos, and is mentioned in brigade memoirs as a spring 1864 habit. (I'm not saying it didn't occur earlier, but the boys themselves noticed it as a departure from previous practice.) I've never seen evidence of telescoping in the Iron Brigade hats. Granted, that doesn't speak for the entire AoP, but only the unit which considered the dress hat their signature item of appearance.

[South Bay]

Thanks for your responses. They helped a lot.

[Regimental Colours]

The Hardee hat worn by Philander B. Wright, Color Bearer, 1st Sergeant, Company C, 2nd Wisconsin at the Battle of Gettysburg.

http://www.wisconsinbattleflags.com/...-wisconsin.php

hardee-hat-2nd-wisconsin.jpg

[Rob Weaver]

I love that hat! The big rip is bullet damage. I have never seen anyone recreate the ventilation holes that he put in his hat.