US 19th Century, Rhode Island Militia Bearskin & Storage Tin
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $495.00

Original era manufacture. A genuine Bearskin, standing about 15 inches in height. There is a short black leather peak at the front of the hat, with a black painted finish and stamped with the number 24 on the underside.Leather liner with eleven triangular shaped size adjusting tabs with a leather draw cord. None of the tab holes have been pulled through, and I have inserted the leather cord through all of them and it works just fine. The liner was simply glued in place on the lower edge of the Bearskin, and it is lifting up in spots, an easy repair.The interior of the Bearskin is an unlined, wicker framework, over which the bear hide is stretched and sewn over. At the front of the Bearskin is a gold wire cord, acorn and fringe decoration, with no damage. There is no evidence that a front plate was ever installed, no holes on the interior. On the left side of the Bearskin edge is a State of Rhode Island, staff type button held in place by a wire passed through the body of the Bearskin. This is why I identified this as a Rhode Island Militia, that may be incorrect, but we will leave it be for the time being. Slipped over that button is a brass linked chinstrap, tacked down to a black leather backing. Only one side strap is present, the other is missing.  The fur itself is in very sound condition, it is not matted and it is not coming apart. The only comment to make is that it is discolored at the top, likely from being in contact with the storage tin for many years.The storage tin itself is quite sound for its age, and did its assigned job quite well as the Bearskin is in relatively sound shape for its age. The tin is painted over in a thin wash of light brown colored lacquer, the lid closes properly and locks down, and there is a movable carrying handle on one side.If I had to give an age approximation to this fine old piece of headgear, I would go with the mid 1850's to the 1870's, due to the construction techniques. A great old piece of headgear, reminiscent of the Grenadier regiments of England and France.