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DOCUMENTED UNION OFFICER’S CAP “CAPT. JOHN H.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,500.00 USD
DOCUMENTED UNION OFFICER’S CAP “CAPT. JOHN H.
ROSLER, 13TH WEST VIRGINIA”. Private purchase, high quality, dark blue officer’s cap trimmed w/ 3 rows of black woven silk piping around perimeter & sides with quatrefoil on crown. Quilted silk lining, black lacquered brim w/ sewn binding on edge, small cord sewn at edge of brim, no chinstrap. Cap presents beautifully as professionally conserved by Fonda Thomsen (Textile Preservation Associates) in 1993. An interesting note from conservator showing November 30, 1864 newspaper was used to support crown during manufacture. You cannot date an item much better than that, just 30 days after promotion to captain. John H. Rosler (Rossler, Roster) 1839-1925, born in Germany, entered service as 2nd lieutenant, promoted twice. The 13th West Virginia infantry was part of the Department of West Virginia. The 13th chased General John Hunt Morgan into Ohio in summer of 1863 and was part of the pursuit that forced Morgan to surrender. The 13th would then take part in the Shenandoah Valley campaign fighting gallantly at Fishers Hill, & Cedar Creek where Col. James Hall was killed October 19. Rosler was promoted captain October 31, 1864 just after the battle. Sometime after this point Rosler would’ve purchased this cap showing his new rank. Rosler would muster out w/ his unit June 22, 1865 returned home to Kanawha, WV where he worked as assessor & later Sheriff of Charleston, WV. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 1992 affidavit stating cap was descended in family. 1993 Conservation report (Textile Preservation Associates, Inc) signed by Fonda Thomsen. Photographs of the family home & gravestone of Capt. Rosler. Custom made hat display stand, padded “doughnut shaped” support for cap. CONDITION: good to very good as conserved. Conservation report is linked online. Complete & original, but for missing chinstrap & sweat band. (02-14813/MS). $3,000-4,500.