This Fine Relic Has Been Sold. Thank you!
U.S. NAVY FULL DRESS COCKED HAT, SWORD
BELT, EPAULET KIT Ca 1845
Presented is a cocked hat, sword belt rig and epaulets of
a U.S. Navy commander, all in near superb original condition. The articles were sold by the Wm H. Bellis Company,
the famed Annapolis, MD uniform store that equipped the officers and midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. All the
gear is housed in a leather brass bound case which shows some use at sea, but is in strong condition. Bellis was in business
from 1849 to at least 1936 at 216 Main St. in Annapolis.
DATE OF MAKE: Because the sword belt is a
black webbed cloth dress belt, we date it as after 1841 when undress belts were leather and dress belts were of white
webbing, and prior to 1852 when all sword belts were to be of "plain black glazed leather".
As a side note, A midshipman by the name of William Maxwell, Class
of 1881, is credited with designing the first football uniform which was used in a game in 1879. Maxwell had gone to
Bellis to have the uniforms made and was later affirmed as the "Father of American football," with designing the first football
uniform.
THE COCKED HAT: was worn by officers with full
dress uniforms commonly refereed to as a "fore and aft" hat or bicorne. During the 1700's the hat was worn parallel to the
shoulders, but in the 1800's was modified to be worn with the points to the front and back. Wearing of the Cocked Hat was
discontinued on 12 October 1940 in the U.S. Navy.
This hat is Beaver felt bound with gold bullion accouterments. On each end
is a blue and gold tassel which is the correct style knot for this rank and that of captain. The hat has a ribbed silk band
of black embroidery along its upper edge and two bands of wide of gold bullion with a domed gilt brass button at the
bottom. There is a small black ribbon cockade at the front. The interior of the hat features a black hat band.
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Brass bound leather
carrying case | |
It is lined in black silk and has the stamped inscription in the crown: ‘The
Wm. H. Bellis Co., Annapolis, MD.
Dimensions: 17" L x 7" W x 5 1/4" H Inside 8 1/4" L
Condition: The is a small crush on the left forward edge which may be due to how
the owner handled the hat on putting it on and taking it off. The edge of the black band is worn from chafe.
EPAULETS: The epaulets are of the finest French spun gold
bullion with all the tassels in excellent condition. The silver oak leaf of rank at the outside end with silver
bullion anchor behind followed by a button embossed with the American eagle over crossed flags. Marked "Made in France"
SWORD BELT RIG: This rig is "like new" condition. It is
of the six gold band style which is rarely found today. The size is set for 33 inches with an additional 5 inches available
for further adjustment. The unmarked gold washed metal buckle is in perfect condition. The leather tongue is stamped
with the Bellis name. We date the belt as after 1841 when undress belts were leather and dress belts were of white
webbing, and prior to 1852 when all sword belts were to be of "plain black glazed leather".
THE CASE: is leather and brass bound with
three latches. It shows some wear, and some paper stuck to the eges which shows as white in picture, and is not worn leather.
It is in good sturdy condition. There is no key.
Size: 19 1/2" L x 8 1/2" W x 7" H
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Full Dress cocked hat kit in case | |
GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: You
must be fully satisfied with your purchase on arrival and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The
only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three days, and that the instrument is returned in its
original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this
offer and are non-refundable unless we are at fault.
FLAT RATE SHIPPING & PACKING Ships Free
48 contiguous States
International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina,
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USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
