2242C

CIVIL WAR KEPI OF PHILADELPHIA SURGEON JAMES CHESTON MORRIS.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR KEPI OF PHILADELPHIA SURGEON JAMES CHESTON MORRIS.
This classic private purchase kepi retains its orig bullion "US" and wreath insignia, as originally applied. This hat is no doubt Civil War, exhibiting features seen on early war hats. Front of hat measures 3-1/2" tall, crown is 6-1/4" dia. Kepi is almost 6-1/2" in back. Patent leather sweatband is 1-3/4" tall with a cardboard stiffener in sweatband and crown. Hat is lined on sides with polished green cotton and in crown with quilted black silk. Sweatband terminates in general staff buttons with Horstmann & Brothers back marked buttons. Visor has tarred linen sewn around edges. Consignor states the provenance to Contract Surgeon James Cheston Morris of Philadelphia. Morris began his practice in 1854 after graduating from University Of Pennsylvania. From October 1862 to August 1863 he served as a contract surgeon in the Army. The kepi is consistent with other identified hats. Accompanying this kepi is what family thought was a sash. It is not anything military that we are aware of, but consists of three pieces of 2-1/2" wide linen backed yellow silk with floral silver bullion designs. One piece measures 39" long, the other two measure about 20" long each. Material appears to be of the Civil War era as far as materials and sewing style. We have no idea what it represents but family preserved it with Civil War kepi. PROVENANCE: Includes a short family biography on the Morris Family from our consignor. CONDITION: Kepi is sound and solid overall with several small moth holes. Kepi has lost most of its orig blue color and is now more of a olive drab with staining and soiling, as can be seen in photos. Kepi has separated for about 5" in front between body and visor. Lining appears mostly intact, though loose and separated. Sweatband is missing about half of its attaching stitches. Chin strap is improperly reattached, but is complete. Bullion 2-1/4" x 1-1/2" staff insignia appears orig to face of kepi. This hat could be easily restored by a good textile conservator as it is complete and solid. The accompanying "sash" has numerous tears and separations in silk. Bullion is mostly intact and linen backing is solid. 4-48868 JS39