SUPERB GAR 1895 STYLE PILL BOX CAP KEPI TENTATIVE ATTRIBUTION NATL COMMANDER GAR

Description

SUPERB GAR 1895 STYLE PILL BOX CAP KEPI TENTATIVE ATTRIBUTION NATL COMMANDER GAR
SUPERB GAR 1895 STYLE PILL BOX CAP KEPI TENTATIVE ATTRIBUTION NATL COMMANDER GAR
Description
Presented for the advanced Grand Army of the Republic collector is this fine GAR kepi conforming loosely to the regulation U. S. Army Model 1895 cap. This cap is in superb condition and is untouched throughout. The body of the cap is entirely of blue wool like the 1895 enlisted version as it lacks the mohair band of the officer's type. However, given the embellishment of gold bullion piping on either edge of the cap band and the thick gold bullion chin cord, it has the appearance of an officer's cap. The GAR; however, was not bound by Federal uniform regulations and could wear just about anything they wanted, although they did exercise some discretion. Thus, this is not a converted Army cap, but one that was made from the "ground up" for GAR use. As stated, this cap is in superb condition with little evidence of wear. One could very easily call it "near mint." There is no mothing or structural damage and the cap retains its original shape and hasn't been crushed. The cap retains both of the GAR buttons, the wreathed GAR insignia, and a rather thick bullion chin cord. The enameled visor is still supple with only a few heat wrinkles in the black enamel finish. The under side of the visor does exhibit some wrinkling and evidence of having laid against another cap, but that is negligible in my opinion. The brown, polished cotton lining is near perfect as is the sweat band! The lining is spirally sewn into the crown stiffener. The leather sweat band is pristine and is firmly attached all around. It is not marked on the interior in any way (trust me, I looked) so there is no need to fool with it further. The cloth Union label and paper size tag of "7 1/8" are still present! The GAR insignia appears to have been affixed to the cap PRIOR to the lining being sewn in; thus, it has been this way forever. What more can I say? This is one beautiful GAR kepi!
Now comes the fun part! Admittedly, this is a verbal provenance; thus, I would recommend taking the kepi at face value for what it is. It stands on its own merit, but a tentative attribution does exist. I acquired this kepi and the appointment certificate of Henry M. Nevius to the position of National Commander-in-Chief of the GAR at the same time from the same dealer. Follow up inquiries indicated they came from the same source, but that was as much as this fellow knew or cared to relate. I think Nevius' group was dispersed a couple of decades ago so who knows where this stuff has gone or how many hands it has passed through. My gut feeling when examining this kepi was that it dated from about 1905 to 1915. Nevius was the GAR Commander-in-Chief from 1908-1909 and died in 1911. Thus, this cap would have still been in vogue during that period and would also account for its immaculate condition if he acquired it late in his GAR membership. The "Rosetta Stone" for me personally was the previously mentioned Union label. It reads, "UNITED CLOTH HAT AND CAP MAKERS OF NORTH AMERICA." This union was established in New York in 1901 and added "Millinery Workers" to the name in 1918. Thus, this hat must date from 1901 to 1918 which aligns perfectly with Nevius' rise in the GAR and his death. Personally, I am convinced that this was the cap of Henry M. Nevius, but I can't prove it definitively as it is unmarked in any way to him. Furthermore, as GAR uniform regulations were rather loose, trying to evaluate and attribute it based upon the ornamentation would be a fool's errand. Nevertheless, the preponderance of bullion piping does set it apart from nearly every other GAR pill box kepi I've encountered. Even if you aren't a cloth or headgear guy, this GAR kepi would be a fine focal point or centerpiece among a collection of badges or ribbons. Superlative GAR ephemera from Brother Rabbit's hutch!
Payment
Please tender payment within 24 hours of the close of the auction or contact me for other arrangements.
Shipping
Shipping will be accomplished via USPS Priority Mail.  I will combine shipping on multiple purchases.
Terms of Sale
Please tender payment within 24 hours of the close of the auction.  Once you have won the item I will consider it yours.  Once payment is received your package will be shipped the next business day.  Please ask any questions or explore any concerns BEFORE the auction ends and within an appropriate timeframe to place a bid if you so choose.  I endeavor to describe items accurately and provide accurate photos.  Condition assessments are subjective; thus, I would invite you to study the photos and ask any questions you may have in order to make your own assessment of condition before bidding.  Thank you.
About Us
I take pride in offering a diverse assemblage of material from estates and old collections in addition to conducting all of my auctions in a NO RESERVE format with a low opening bid.  Thus, everyone has an opportunity to participate and win in an unbiased setting.
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