1858 Jeff Davis (Hardee) Hat

As this hat was adopted during the period Jefferson Davis was the Secretary of War, it came to bear his name. It has also been called a Hardee Hat named after William Joseph Hardee an officer in the 2^nd Cavalry. The hat was made of black felt and carried various insignia which were embroidered for officers and brass for enlisted men. It was looped up an eagle on one side and an ostrich feather on the other. The branch of service was on the front of the hat and a hat cord was used to demonstrate the enlisted branch of service. Officers wore mixed black and silver hat cord, general officers wearing gold. Although this hat was not as popular as the Forage cap (kepi), it still saw considerable use.