Model 1858 forage cap identified to Private James Strauser, Company D, 56th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, WIA Gettysburg.

Model 1858 forage “bummers” cap, which features a first issue die-cut red 1st Division, I Army Corps badge and brass letters/numbers that designate Company D, 56th Pennsylvania Volunteers. The brass number "11" affixed above the “56” is a most unusual feature indicating the regiment’s assignment to the 1st Division, I Army Corps. The cap is displayed with a GAR badge, 4 coat and 2 cuff buttons, and a vintage Gettysburg pennant in a decorative frame, 18 1/4 x 12 1/4 in., with inked inscription on verso, "These Civil War things belonged to your old grandfather Strauser of long ago. They are a part of our history. Keep them for your children as I did for mine. Merry Christmas! Mom.” The cap, while in relic condition, is mostly intact, but an examination of the lining is not possible without disassembling the original family framing.

Provenance: Descended directly in the family of James Strauser and obtained from the Strauser estate as evidenced by inscription on frame verso.

James Strauser (1840-1915) enlisted as a private on an unknown date with Company D, 56th Pennsylvania Infantry. Records indicate that he suffered a gunshot wound at Gettysburg on 7/1/1863. The 56th Pennsylvania Volunteers was the second Union infantry regiment on the field on 1 July and had the distinction of being the first Union Infantry regiment to fire on the advancing Confederate forces. Private Strauser was one of the 130 casualties sustained by this regiment during the battle.

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca