LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72136

A Virginia Dark Blue Slouch Hat with a Gold "Va.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
A Virginia Dark Blue Slouch Hat with a Gold Va.
<B>A Virginia Dark Blue Slouch Hat with a Gold "Va." in Laurel Wreath Device</B></I> This slouch hat with a distinctive Virginia device surrounded by a laurel wreath is an extremely rare artifact from what is considered to be the first land battle of the Civil War at Big Bethel, Virginia. It was captured from the battlefield by a Union soldier and has been held in a private collection ever since.<BR><BR>A decidedly Confederate victory, the engagement at Big Bethel began when Union Major General Benjamin F. Butler sent troops from Hampton and Newport News to confront Confederate troops at Little and Big Bethel. The Confederates withdrew to concentrate their forces near Big Bethel Church. Commanded by Colonels John B. Magruder and D. H. Hill, the Confederates repulsed the advances of the 5th New York Zouaves killing 79 men including Colonel T. Wynthrop. The Confederates lost only nine men.<BR><BR>This war trophy from that battle, captured by one of Gen. Benjamin Butler's soldiers, is a dark blue heavy felt slouch hat with a 1" silk band of the same color. The gold-colored metal "Va." device is centered in the middle of a metal wreath of a darker gold color. The condition overall is very good with a small hole on the left side of the brim near the bow of the silk band. The interior brown leather band is in excellent condition as well but has separated at the back of the hat. An old museum tag with the words "taken from a rebel on the battlefield of Big Bethel ,Virginia" has been sewn to the top of the hat.<BR><BR>This is a unique and very rare artifact, highly attractive and is from the earliest action of the Civil War.<BR><BR><B>Authentication:</B></I> Les Jensen<BR><BR><B>Provenance:</B></I> <I>The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR><BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Smal (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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