[CIVIL WAR] Private-purchase kepi and painted tintype, identified to Henry McCuen, Company D, 14th NY Heavy Artillery.

Visor to crown 3 1/4 in. dark blue wool felt kepi with tall crown, tarred and bound visor with green enamel to underside, leather chinstrap with 15 mm brass eagle "A" buttons, leather sweatband, light brown cotton lining with batting and quilted interior crown (mothing, a few holes with old stitched repair,  light soil, some tears to lining, visor reattached at corners); height 1/2 in. die-struck brass company letter "D." Interior crown with pencil inscribed "14." A high-grade private purchase hat.

[With:] Visible 5 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. full plate tintype portrait enhanced with paint (flaking, craquelure and cracks), with old gilt mat (dampstains, spotting), 11 x 13 in. contemporary wood frame. 

Identified to Henry C. McCuen who enlisted at 19 years old in Schenectady, NY as a private on 23 August 1864. He mustered into Company D of the 14th New York Heavy Artillery two days later. Took part in the battles of Pegram's Farm and Fort Steadman. He mustered out on 3 June 1865 at Delaney House, Washington, D.C. After the war, he was a member of the GAR at Matherson Post, No. 322, Northville, NY. 


The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann