Civil War Captains Hat

[holdenmaniac]

Hi guys,

I dunno if this is the place to post this but oh well. Being in Australia I am having trouble tracking down a hat like the ?Captains o f the Cavalry wore in the civil war. My easiest example is the exact hat that Robert Duvall is wearing in Apocalypse Now, when he is loving the smell of Napalm in morning.

If any of my American Comrades could tell me the name of the hat to start with, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys

 

[Daf57]

Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore! ;D

Lt. Col. Kilgore in Apocalypse Now wore an unusual black felt hat with cavalry trimmings. Duvall's hat was not the typical Stetson worn in "nam." Duvall's hat was a Stetson 5 3/4" crown with a relatively small brim at only 3 1/4". [...] Notice the hat cord is not uniform correct, having an all black cord (black and gold is correct for an officer). Lt. Col. Kilgore also wore the enlisted sabres rather than the smaller gold plated sabres proscribed for officers.

Most I've found are a bit pricey but you may be able to find a cheaper replica somewhere else.

Some links of interest

http://www.cavhooah.com/info/index.php/blog/article/robert-duvall-and-his-cavalry-stetson-in-apocalypse-now
http://fjzax.vuaag.servertrust.com/product_p/hat.kilgore.htm
http://www.baronhats.com/kilgore.htm
http://en.wikicollecting.org/robert-duvall-s-apocalypse-now-colonel-kilgore-costume
http://www.knudsenhats.com/Hatdept/kilgore.html
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/Auction_Item.asp?Auction_ID=13427

May be some on ebay as well - hope this helps!

Daf

 

[holdenmaniac]

Thanks mate, thats a huge help in the right direction. ;D ;D ;D

 

[Daf57]

You are more than welcome!

 

[Dagger6actual]

Holdenmaniac I happen to live next to Ft Hood here in Texas. It is the permanent home of the 1st Cav. I'll ask some of my friends what hat they wear. It is supposed to be based on the hat worn throughout their history. The Cav guys wear them to every function...they even have spurs and wear them to balls, etc. I'll let you know what the scoop is....