IW Campaign Hats

[Gripmaker]

This is probably an elementary question for some of you but not me, so here goes. What was the color of an officer's campaign hat of the earlym to mid 1870s? Had there been a change from the Civil War black slouch hat yet?  Guess I'll have to do something "Yankee" for future musters or just to shoot in even though it pains my old Rebel heart.

[Major Matt Lewis]

The Brown Slouch was around in the 1880s through the Spanish American War.  I also reckon that you would have to get down into the unit and timeframe, but you won't go wrong with a black slouch hat   

[Drydock]

The Civil war slouch/Hardee was replaced by the Infamous black "Andrews" floppy folder in 1872.   This was replaced by a conventional black campaign hat with a fore and aft crease in 1875.  The First "drab" or tan campaign hat was issued in 1881, and remained with minor changes, mostly in vent patterns, until the issuance of the Montana peak in 1905.

The Andrews was hated by most everyone, and most wore a simple black campaign/slouch thru its issue era.  I would look for either a Hardee had, stripped of badges and crushed to the desired shape, or the later black campaign hat.

[Wavey1us]

As mentioned, the issue hat in 1872 was the Andrews Hat.  The Officers ANdrews Hat was made with a little better material (binding, hat material, etc).  Since officers purchased their own clothing, you can use any type of hat that would fit the period.  a good source to view pictures is US Army in West.  By the 1870s, the Hardee hat was dispensed with for dress wear.

Bill

[Trailrider]

Ladies and Gentlemen -

If you are talking "in the field" the most uniform thing about officers' hats was...there was no uniformity.  The Andrews hat was certainly present (I believe Benteen wore one), but so was almost anything else that was available, including left-over slouch, civilian felt, and many wore straw "planter's" hats.  Some would wear officer's gold and black "acorn" hatband cords, plus the stamped brass crossed sabers, some would do without.  For reference, see "With Crook in the Black Hills", a photo book taken during one of the campaigns.  There are grouped shots of most of his officers, mostly 2nd & 3rd Cavalry.  Take your pick! 

In garrison, of course, it was a different story.  There the kepi was the official item of headgear for officers, though it depended again on who the post commander was and what his own policy was, absent any visiting inspectors, higher echelon commanders, etc. 

I personnally wear a straw planter's hat with officers hat cord and crossed sabers pinned to the front of the crown.  That is in summer.  In winter, I wear a muskrat fur cap sans insignia.

Hope this is of interest...

[Gripmaker]

Thanks Guys!  I have the palm leaf planter's hat and a tan felt hat so all I need to get is the black slouch 'cause I ain't gonna wear no Hardee or Andrews hat. They look stupid and Major Matt knows we don't want no stupid troopers.

BTW Major Matt, why are the Marines STILL looking for a few good men?  (I await your, always snappy, comeback ;>)!)

[Major Matt Lewis]

You know Larry,

There have been times when I actually felt sorry for you....that's right felt sorry you.  See, you have gone through life never knowing what it was like to be the Worlds Finest.  I liken that to be being a side kick and carrying around the Hero's sweaty athletic supporter...   Poor Larry, always second best...

Whitty enough for you?   

[Delmonico]

Did you know Custer wore Jock Straps?    

[Gripmaker]

Richard,  And here I thought 5 years of Special Forces duty with resultant travel and adventure could make up for not being a Marine. Now I am crushed. Ah, the things our government can make you believe. Darn!!

Del, WHAT!?!?

[Major Matt Lewis]

LOL....Marine Envy is an ugly yet understandable thing....

[Grapeshot]

As an old, retired US Army Cheif Warrant Officer 3, I can truthfully say that there is NOTHING in this world like a US Marine.  They are infinitely better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.  However, I would prefer their company to any other service when the fecal matter hits the oscilating fan.  Semper Fi to all my friends that are and were MARINES!

[the_armywarfighter]

What was the correct style of 1883 Campaign Hat worn by Army Officers in the field during the Geronimo campaign of 1886?  How dark or light was the color? Did it have bound brims or did they wear the enlisted version with the rows of stitching?  What type of vents did it have?  Were linings worn inside the crowns?  Were officer's hat cords worn on them?  Most of all, who are the suppliers that make the correct reproductions of it?
Your input is appreciated. Thanks.