The classic Civil War "Hardee" Hat. These broad brimmed hats were introduced in 1855 for use by the new regiments of cavalry and were adopted for use as the dress hat for all branches of service in 1858.
This one is in very nice shape- no tears, hardening, or deterioration. Sweatband is in place, just some stitching has come out for a couple inches near the back where the ends of the band overlap, but it is solidly in place. The interior bears the "US Army Extra Manufacture" impressed label on the underside of the crown with size stamp.
Excellent condition, crown has not been pressed down or squeezed in by people picking it up.
The side was never pinned up. On it is an original Civil War cavalry hat cord. Mounted on the front is a set of cavalry crossed sabers correctly mounted with small leather wedges passed through the loops. These look good, but I will not guarantee them. The neatness of the rounded brass wire loops bothers me a bit. But, in any case, 99 out of 100 of these are fairly recently put together from surplus stocks, and when original insignia was not available, with reproduction side eagles or branch insignia. As a collector I would even consider removing the sabers and cord and using it as an example of how the hat was frequently worn in the western theatre as a slouch hat by all branches of service.