Captured federal forage cap.

[kevo600]

Was wondering if anyone could help me out with the type of Federal forage cap that a Confederate soldier would have reused in 64. Looking to be correct with the type. My unit the 30th VA Fought at Petersburg. So if a soldier in my unit would have picked one up off the ground then, what type would it have been? Don't know much about Federal gear, since I have dedicated my study to primarily CS.

Thanks
Kevin Godek

[john duffer]

Re: Captured federal forage cap.

Was wondering if anyone could help me out with the type of Federal forage cap that a Confederate soldier would have reused in 64. Looking to be correct with the type. My unit the 30th VA Fought at Petersburg. So if a soldier in my unit would have picked one up off the ground then, what type would it have been? Don't know much about Federal gear, since I have dedicated my study to primarily CS.

Thanks
Kevin Godek

Well it doesn't answer your question but as a rule of thumb the more cover story you have to use to justify an article of clothing the more you should just avoid it. Others mileage may vary.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Captured federal forage cap.

Why pick up a federal forage cap? If you need a hat, there were probably plenty of good slouches around that would provide better cover.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Captured federal forage cap.

Hallo!

Staying away from hobby over use by Confederates in reenacting...

Federal forage caps ("M1858") were made to several distinct patterns. Plus a number of variations on a theme with private purchase caps and kepi styles.

In brief and to over generalize...

The modern typology talks about 'Type I's" with smaller diameter crown and slanting crescent shaped visor. Type II's have larger crowns and a rectangular visor or bill.

The "literature" speaks to Type I's outnumbering Type II's in Period images about 2:1. And that late War images tend to show more Type II's.

IMHO, Type II's came to "dominate" by late War, but not exactly a start-and-stop thing. Meaning, length of contracts and numbers in the system kept Type I's going.

Curt

[kevo600]

Re: Captured federal forage cap.

Curt, thanks for the insight. Michael and John thanks after further thought I see what your saying about the over use and lack of proof to justify, my be better to not do it.