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OFFICER’S SEAL FUR HAT AS WORN BY OFFICERS IN THE
FRONTIER ARMY DURING THE INDIAN WAR ERA – A SPECIAL
WINTER UNIFORM ITEM NOT COMMONLY ENCOUNTERED – VERY NICE
SPECIMEN: Very similar to the Pattern 1879 US
Army Muskrat Fur Hat issued to the Enlisted Men, this
Seal Fur Winter Hat is the style worn by many officers
on the Western Frontier.
The army was well aware of the need for improvements in
cold weather protection for the troops, particularly for
those serving in the extreme climates of the Western
Frontier where temperatures of 50 below zero were
recorded during campaign conducted by Gen. Miles in the
winter of 1876-77 which resulted in the capture of Crazy
Horse.
JANUARY 1877
Gen.
Miles (center LEFT) & OFFICERS
Cantonment Tongue River
As early as 1875, already concerned for the welfare of
the soldiers, General Meigs, Quartermaster General of
the Army, initiated a survey of the current uniform
being provided to the soldiers, soliciting evaluations
and comments from officers serving in the field
regarding the serviceability and durability of the
uniform currently in use. As a result of the survey, it
was determined that the current issue of great coats and
standard headwear provided insufficient protection
against the weather encountered throughout much of the
frontier and it was recommended that fur coats, gloves
or mittens, and hats be issued.
Before the army settled on the Pattern 1879 Muskrat Hat,
the initial production of fur hats for the soldiers was
made of seal skin with the fur on. Apparently seal fur
winter outer wear was held in high regard at that time,
so it is not surprising that the officers who were
expected to provide their own uniforms, bowed to the
current fashion and purchased seal fur hats for
themselves, such as can be seen in the photograph
above.
This Seal Fur Hat presents in excellent condition. The
fur is completely intact with no loss of hair or bald
spots. The satin lining and sateen sweat band are fully
intact with no separation or loose seams. The interior
of the crown is embroidered with a fine pattern of white
stitching that is consistent with the various quatrefoil
stitching designs applied to other pieces of officers’
uniforming.
Overall, this is an especially beautiful fur hat which
has survived in excellent condition and would be an
appropriate addition to a display of a Frontier Army
officer’s grouping or display.
SOLD
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