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Description

Stunning, Identified 14th Brooklyn Chasseurs' Grouping Including Cap, Stencil, Shoulder Straps and Carte De Visite Image of Owner. The focal point of this great collection is the ultra rare chasseur pattern kepi worn by Capt. Charles H. Morris, Co. K, 14th N.Y. State Militia (84th N.Y. Vol. Infantry). The colorful cap has a dark blue band set off by a red body and dark blue crown. On the crown, as always found on this unit's caps, is its original red wool decorative circle measuring about 1 ½" in diameter. On the front of the cap is pinned an embroidered infantry bugle with the regimental number "14" in the bend. The cap has kept its original bound visor as well as its chin strap secured by two brass buttons bearing the seal of the State of New York. No lining remains in the interior but the maker's imprint of "Biglow/185 Fulton St./Brooklyn" is easily seen pressed into the glazed leather crown. The cap is very sound and shows no mothing, with only a seam opening at the front. With the grouping are the officer's Smith Patent captain of infantry shoulder straps with stamped brass, false embroidered, single border frame and bars. The sky-blue wool centers show use and some minor fading, but the back of each strap still retains its original paper label marked "Jas. S. Smith/ Patent/ June 18, 1861,/ 16 Dutch Street,/ New York." Also with the set is his original brass stencil measuring 1 ½" x 3" that reads "CAPT. C.H. MORRIS./ Co. K. 14th REG./ N.Y.S.M." An autographed carte de visite photograph of Morris, by Brady, rounds out the set. In it, Morris is seen ¾ length in a U.S. regulation uniform wearing a McDowell pattern cap with his sword on a table beside him. The card has been slightly trimmed but the actual image is untouched. On the reverse is inked "Captain K Co. 14th Reg/ NYSM" and the date "Nov 16/61." A typewritten tag that appears about 50-60 years old is with the set, describing it and explaining it originally "came with a cardboard museum tag, now lost." The tag also refers to a "kepi raincover" that was with the set that is now missing. The "14th Brooklyn" or "Brooklyn Chasseurs" wore a distinctive red and blue uniform supplied to them by the City of Brooklyn in 1861 which they kept throughout their service. The unit, designated the 84th New York Vol. Infantry when it entered Federal service, was part of the I Corps of the Army of the Potomac and served with distinction at all its major battles including Gettysburg where it was heavily involved at the railroad cut on July 1. Morris joined the unit in April, 1861 rising to Captain a few months later. He was discharged due to disability in January, 1863. An impressive set from a fighting regiment.



Auction Info

Auction Dates
November, 2008
20th-21st Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 5
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 5,428

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.

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