Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a fantastic piece of history that dates back to the post Civil War era. A Chapeau-Bras, which translates literally to “hat arm”, is a bicorne hat that is designed to be compressed and carried under the arm, formerly worn on dress occasions by men in the 18th Century, and later in the United States Army by General and Staff Officers.

These caps were intended as a Dress Hat, and not too many survived the ages due to their fragile nature.

The hat features a gilt cockade with gilt wire bullion embroidered spread wing federal eagle. Of note is that the Federal Shield on the body of the bullion eagle is hand embroidered in full color (normally the shield is solid gold bullion). These Caps were universal, with the only distinction being the branch of service button affixed to the cockade on the right side of the cap or the insignia much like this one, which is the standard New York “Excelsior” crest.

The interior is lined with black silk lining and felt sweatband. The top of the lining has a partial manufacturer's marking and reads as:

HENRY V. ALLIEN & CO
7 BOND STREET 7
NEW YORK

The lining is torn down the center from years of being folded and unfolded which made the label only partially readable. The feathering on the top is unfortunately detached in areas and falling down the sides. There is fur loss on the body which is unfortunately noticeable on the front. The bullion cockade is present as described but there is color and material loss. The tin container is still very solid with great paint and partial paper labels. The front has a plaque reserved for the name of the owner. This example reads as E. C. Crow though we have not been able to locate any service information on him.

A lovely, scarce example that comes more than ready for further research and display.