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CIVIL WAR KEPI BELONGING TO UNION GENERAL

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR KEPI BELONGING TO UNION GENERAL

GEORGE MCCLELLAN. This kepi is of a distinct type & style known to have been favored by General George Brinton McClellan. McClellan served w/ distinction in the War w/ Mexico & became a railroad executive prior to the start of the Civil War. He became commander of the Union Army in November of 1861 & was relieved in March 1862. In November of 1862, General McClellan was relieved of all field command duties by President Lincoln after the 1862 midterm elections ostensibly because of his failure to pursue Robert E. Lee after the Battle of Antietam. McClellan ran unsuccessfully against Lincoln in 1864. This kepi is dark blue/black in color. It has a 3 5/8” rise in the front & a 6 1/2” rise in the back. It is constructed of a fine woolen material & features a leather chinstrap terminated w/ staff officer buttons & a bound leather visor. The inside has a quilted lining & thin leather sweatband. The most striking feature of this hat is the impressed circle in the crown that reads, “GEN. MC. CLELLAN”. It is very likely this was originally highlighted w/ gilt but because of the general’s ample use of hair pomade, the gilt highlights likely disappeared relatively quickly. The impressed name & surrounding circle is quite discernible & easily read. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: consignor paperwork regarding General McClellan. CONDITION: kepi shows some fading from extended field use. The chinstrap & visor remain quite stable. Sweatband has several cracks & minor losses. The lining is complete but shows staining from sweat & pomade. This fine kepi was purchased in the late 1970s at an auction of items belonging to the Harper’s Ferry Museum. It was once owned by legendary Civil War collector & author, William Gavin. A singular opportunity to acquire a piece of head gear belonging to one of the Civil War’s most recognized generals. (02-14669/BF). $12,000-15,000.