Original U.S. Indian Wars Model 1872 Pennsylvania Guard Officer’s Chasseur Style Pattern Kepi by Sylvania with Bullion Velvet Keystone Badge

Original Item: Only one available. This is a phenomenal example of an Indian Wars Issue Model 1872 chasseur-style kepi in good condition with a great bullion & velvet Keystone shaped patch on the crown and a gold rope “chinstrap”, indicating that this kepi was worn by an officer, likely in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The cap bears two federal buttons on the sides.

This Federal Chasseur Pattern Kepi features fabric of very fine blue wool broadcloth. The crown stands nearly 2 1/4" high at the front, 4 1/2" at the rear seam and the top is 4 1/2" in diameter, stiffened with a pasteboard beneath the lining. The body of the cap meets a band of wool seamed only at the rear and stiffened with leather. The cap's interior is lined with dark blue polished cotton which is held in the center by a tie string with a circular hole. The Moroccan leather sweatband is quite wide with a period maker’s label attached which is now entirely faded. Thankfully, by looking at the back of the sweatband, we could see a reverse image of the maker’s mark, which looks to read “Sylvania”.

The flat visor is original to the hat, and composed of tarred leather. The trim along the visor is unfortunately cracked and broken with some material loss.

An outstanding example of a Pennsylvania Guard officer’s kepi, ready for further research and display!