Unique Item: Bicorne Hat

The bicorne hat, or more commonly called the cocked hat, came into vogue in the 1770s and lasted up until WWI. It is mostly associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, who wore it with the brims to the sides. However, it is mostly worn with the brims to the front.

This bicorne hat belonged to General William Blake as part of his uniform during the War of 1812. 

Its made of paperboard, coppery alloy, and cotton covered with fur chapeau.The eagle and stars are brass with a banner that reads "E Pluribus Unum."

William Blake was born in Vermont in 1793. His parents died 16 years later, leaving him an orphan. He enlisted in 1813 at the age of 21 and became a Private in Captain Thomas Biddle's Artillery Company, 2nd US Artillery. His obituary states that he was wounded three times at the Battle of Lundy's Lane in Ontario, at least once with a bayonet. In October 1814 he became a prisoner of war in Quebec and was released in March 1815. A New York hospital pronounced him unfit for service, so he was discharged. 

After the war Blake returned to Vermont and started a family. They moved to Norfolk, New York in the 1830s where he was elected town supervisor and Major General in the New York Militia. In late 1845 they moved again, this time to Fox Lake, Wisconsin (then called Waushara). The Wisconsin Militia commissioned Blake as a general, and he lived out the rest of his days as a farmer. He died August 18, 1868.

I always thought these hats looked silly. But after researching them, they have grown on me. However you won't catch me wearing one of these anytime soon.