Indian War (USS) United States Scouts Felt Hat, Insignia, and Hat Cord – $1075

Native Americans played a vital role in our expansion West, and aided the Military in various ways for a very long period of time.  If you do a Google search for United States Indian Scouts, you will find a wealth of information on the topic.  Native American Scouts were officially recruited starting in July of 1866, as authorized by an Act of Congress. The USS Crossed Arrow Insignia became the official designator of these Scouts in 1890, and the red and white Hat Cord became official at that time as well.  The red and white color combination was supposed to represent the symbolic coming together of White and Red Races, but that never quite worked out that way it was intended to.  As for the hat itself there is no real way that I know of to date it, as it is surely non regulation, but it is obvious from examination that the Insignia, Cord, and Hat have been together for a very, very long time.  There are photos of Scouts wearing this style and color hat well prior to 1890.  There is evidence of the hat having had a sweat band which has been long removed.  The Crossed Arrow Insignia has a pleasing dark burnished look to it and the Hat Cord shows its age but it is complete and intact.  The hat shows its age as well.  The name Little Crow is written inside the hat.  I have done no research to try and find out who he may be, and I leave that task to the next owner.  This hat was purchased from a long time collector and dealer who has acknowledged expertise in the Military Headgear Field, and he deemed that the hat is indeed, original and correct.  I will provide his name to the purchaser if so desired.  The original contract for the Insignia and Hat Cord was less than 1000 units.  There were never large numbers of Scouts employed by the Military, and fewer and fewer as time went on.  In 1891 with the cessation of the Indian Wars, the number of Scouts was reduced to 150.  During Pershing’s campaign of 1916 into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa, USS were part of the force.  The Codetalkers of WWII were part of the Scouts and the unit was officially deactivated in 1947.  Price is $1075 with shipping included.