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PATTERN 1872 ENLISTED MAN’S FORAGE CAP: A
style of head wear adopted by the US Army from the
French Army in the 1850’s and which continued in use
into the 1890’s, this Pattern 1872 Enlisted Man’s Forage
Cap, or Kepi as it was sometimes called, has survived in
very nice condition. The pattern that replaced the
Civil War forage caps and kepis, this 1872 Forage Cap
was a standard component of the soldier’s uniform, worn
on a daily basis unless the soldier was on duty in the
field.
This forage cap shows minimal signs of wear and aging.
The patent leather brim has a shiny black surface with
no cracking on the upper side, and likewise on the
underside. There are some areas on the brim where the
surface has crystallized, a common occurrence with this
sort of surface due to aging. The body and crown of the
hat are full form, made of the standard dark blue wool.
The wool is in good condition with some minor mothing
around the band, just under where the chin strap passes
around the front of the cap, and there is one moth hole
at the edge of the flat crown where it joins the side
(see the photo below for details). The mothing is not
heavy, and the wool crown presents very well. The
matching General Service side buttons are both present –
correct for this cap and of the type used in the regular
army. The chin strap is not only present, but it is
full length and in full form with no breaks or other
damage, and retains a bright shiny surface. These
straps normally did not survive, are often missing from
these caps, and when they are present, are often
broken. The interior of the crown features the full
sweat band and polished cotton lining, however both show
wear. The leather sweat band is full form with no loss,
but it is loose in spots and could be reattached should
the new owner prefer to do so. The liner is full form,
but the rear seam is open – again it could be sewn
closed. Of special note, the Horstmann Bros. contract
label is present in the crown, retaining the majority of
its finish and legible.
Specimens of this pattern of headwear are not given to
surviving well, succumbing easily to abuse and poor
storage, and they simply do not appear on the market all
that often in any condition. This Enlisted Man’s
Pattern 1872 Forage Cap is quite attractive in spite of
the obvious evidence of wear, and would display very
well in your Indian War collection.
SOLD
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