US Army Officers Chapeau de Bras (Dakota Territory Militia)

This is a 19th century US Army pattern chapeau, or bicorn hat. The hat is constructed of beaver fur, lightly worn along the edges, with black silk riband adornments, bullion wire tassels are present fore and aft, and the cockade on the right side has both a US eagle badge and a pre-statehood "DAKOTA NG" domed brass button. The bullion and brass accents have darkened somewhat over time, and now have a predominantly yellow-ochre patina. Furthermore, the rear bullion tassel is somewhat loose. The edges of the brim are trimmed with ostrich feathers, and the interior of the crown has an intact red silk lining, with an intact leather comfort band that has detached in a few spots. There is no discernible maker's marking, but a small size label is present on the interior: "7 3/8". This is a well-preserved piece of 19th century military headwear, that was made prior to the introduction of North and South Dakota to the Union as states, and would make a great piece for display.