Hat, Cocked

Object Name:

Hat, Cocked

Object ID:

1880.030.02

Creator:

Messinger, Daniel (1768-1846)Manufacturer

Place of Origin:

Boston, MA

Date:

circa 1805

Description:

Military uniform hat. Made by Daniel Messinger (1768-1846), Boston, MA. Worn by General Benjamin Pierce (1757-1839) of Hillsborough, NH; c. 1805. Officer's bicorne (cocked) hat. Black felt, rounded, block-shaped crown 4.5" high, wide flat brim that is turned up in front and folded to a point in center, fastened to crown with narrow black tape right side. Black silk ribbon rosette attached to right front side with stamped brass, spread eagle under "E Pluribus Unum" banner. Back brim fastened in center to crown with worn tape. Brim edged with black ribbed silk tape. Cotton liner with cowhide sweatband. "D[an]iel Messinger, / HAT MAKER / Near the White Horse / BOSTON" with image of a hat, trees, and landscape with a laurel wreath border around edge printed on circular paper label attached inside top.

Material:

Textile
Metal
Wool
Silk
Brass

Dimensions:

H-9 W-18 D-6 inches

Provenance:

Worn by General Benjamin Pierce (1757-1839), when commander of the New Hampshire State Militia (1805) and inaugurated as Governor of the State of New Hampshire (1827, 1829). Donated in 1841 by his son, Franklin Pierce (1804-1869).

Credit Line:

Gift of Franklin Pierce

People:

Pierce, Benjamin (1757-1839), Messinger, Daniel (1768-1846), Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869)

Subjects:

Militias, Military uniforms, Ceremonial objects, Ceremonies