Premier Fine Art & Antiques Auction
August 29, 2023
Below is just a small portion of the massive selection of high quality art & antiques to be featured in our upcoming August 29th 2023 auction! This auction will span multiple genres of collectibles, including Fine Paintings & Art, Jewelry & Silver, Orientalia, Rare Glass & Lamps, Early & Victorian Furniture, Decoys, Carvings, Coin-Op, & MORE!
TALL FORAGE CAP ATTRIBUTED TO COLONEL EDWARD MCALEXANDER, 27TH ALABAMA.
02-17255
This cap originally was bought by Bill Albaugh along with his frock coat and it is in same “as found” state when it left family. You would not have thought it Alabama identity as it has Virginia side buttons but sold direct from Selma, Alabama family to Albaugh. Bill’s collection notebook says he separated the McAlexander “bummers type kepi” in trade (copy of Albaugh note page accompanies lot) and kept the coat. The “Stonewall Jackson” style cap is indeed Confederate version of bummer’s cap. Bob Walter’s had this cap displayed among his exemplary Confederate uniform collection for many years till his death.
Cap is proper configuration for McAlexander’s rank. 5” high in front, 9” in back, cadet gray wool broadcloth, three strand bullion trim & quatrefoil, tarred linen 1.1” tarred leather sweatband, short leather visor, tarred leather chin strap attached with two 14.5mm Virginia state seal side buttons, gold silk lining.
Edward McAlexander (1833-1870) entered service as lieutenant in 1861,. Promoted captain, then major. He was captured at Fort Donelson, held prisoner at Ft Warren and was exchanged for Major Reeves of Mass unit at Fort Monroe, VA April 4 1862, he would be commissioned lt. colonel soon after. He was promoted to colonel in 1865. His cap was correct with 3 strands quatrefoil for major through colonel. He was physician before the war and after, also dabbling in politics with several terms in Alabama house of representatives.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Old tall display case with plexiglass hat stand..
PROVENANCE: Bill Albaugh purchased from Gaines Blackwell, Selma, AL. Bob Walters collection many years displayed, Andy Pells collection who sold it to Cullen; Cullen Smith Estate Collection.
