Civil War Identified Union Officer Slouch Hat & Belt 1st PA Light Artillery

Description

Original Civil War ID'd Union officer's slouch hat and belt worn by Captain Lord B. Richards of Battery H, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery (43rd PA Infantry). According to the documentation that accompanied the grouping, the hat was discovered in an old house in Pennsylvania over 25 years ago. The original collector of the hat was told by direct descendants that the hat was worn by Richards during the war. The belt was obtained separately over time, which was also once worn and owned by the officer. A stenciling of the officer's name and unit is present on the leather.
The hat is a Civil War period slouch hat, made of beaver felt, that is the consistency and stiffness of a Hardee hat. The hat retains its original leather sweatband which is hand sewn into the interior. The original, wide silk ribbon is tied in a bow around the crown. The edges of the brim show presence of binding with visible stitching. There is a small hole on top of the hat in the material, as depicted in photos. A small portion of the brim is MIA. The original embroidered U.S. staff officer's insignia badge is present on the front of the crown. The hat also contains the original gilt officer's hat cord. The hat is in overall fine condition with some minor evidence of early creasing.
The belt was once a light artillery enlisted man's sword belt. The belt plate is a typical M1851 Eagle belt plate with an applied silver wreath. The numbers on the keeper and belt plate do not appear to match, so the plate may have been replaced, perhaps during the war or afterwards by the officer. Both the plate and belt are in good condition.
Captain Richards enlisted as a Private in August 1861 into Battery H, 1st PA Light Artillery. He was promoted to the rank of 1st LT in September 1864, and then to Captain in June 1865. He was thus mustered out of service on June 27, 1865. Battery H witnessed action in Virginia during the Peninsula Campaign and later served in Washington, DC. The battery saw service with the Army of the Potomac, Department of Virginia and the Department of Washington, DC. Multiple printouts of Richards' service will be included, along with photocopies of muster rolls and pensions.
This grouping has been in my personal collection for a few years and has remained in the same condition as acquired. Please see photos. Selling as is.