CDV of Four Union Soldiers Including the Coolest Hat in the Union Army

This exceptional carte de visite (CDV) captures four Union soldiers in a classic studio pose: two seated in the foreground and two standing behind. The photograph’s true distinction lies with the soldier positioned at the top right, who dons an extraordinary fur slouch hat. Crafted from plush beaver or rabbit fur, the hat features a wide, asymmetrical brim that drapes with elegant informality. Its rich texture and unconventional style stand in rare contrast to the standard federal infantry headgear, making this image a remarkable and visually compelling artifact of the Civil War era.