The Hungarian Connection to the Union Army’s Official Hat
By Michael J. McAfee The Model 1858 uniform hat, nicknamed the “Hardee hat” or the “Jeff Davis hat,” also went by the moniker “Kossuth hat,” so named in honor of
Category: Uniforms & History
Cap Insignia: Topping It Off
By Michael J. McAfee The U.S. Army Regulations of 1861 were very specific on what trim should be placed on the 1858 forage cap. Section #1493 specified “yellow metal letters
The 1st Regiment, Philadelphia Reserve Brigade (Gray Reserves)
By Michael J. McAfee Shortly after the guns at Fort Sumter fell silent, the militiamen of Philadelphia conceived the idea of creating a home guard in defense of their city.