1st Virginian Cavalry

[megroot]

I'm a couple of days painting this bust from Carl Reid.

In my research i found this:
The hat was not issued to the soldier, and was a matter of personal choice. The overwhelming choice of hat for the 1st Virginia was a broad-brimmed "slouch" hat.
Many of the 1st Virginia also liked to wear a black ostrich plume, emulating their leader, J.E.B. Stuart.

As Carl didn't not sculpt a black plume I assume that it shouldn't be there.
Now, I think it should be there.
1. What do you guys think.
2. Any recommendations for making the plume.

Marc

 

[billyturnip]

In my experience there's always someone who will lose their black ostrich plume.

Seriously Marc I would add it. It will be a nice addition and personalize your version, as to how to do it..... Perhaps a real feather?

Roger.

 

[Don]

Mark Try a visit to your local fishing tackle shop as they do many small featers in various colours for the fly tying fraternity.
Think the plume would set off the bist nicely.

Don

 

[Nap]

Mark ,

"To plume or not to plume ....that is the question
wether tis nobler to suffer the ....slings and arrows ...."

...........Ooops sorry .

..I say add the plume as well to add that extra something to an already frat bust .

Be interesting to see how you go about this ...sculpt or real feather ?

Nap

 

[Robert Dominick]

Marc,
I would add the plume. It was a personal choice of the confederate cavalryman and always added to their cavalier attitude. It came standard on union hardee hats which were mostly for dress with few exeptions such as the Iron Brigade. I have an original Iron Brigade Hardee hat with the plume still attached. I also have an original photograph of a confederate from McNeils Partisan Rangers wearing a private purchase slouch hat with a plume attached. I am currently at work so I do not have many photos to upload at the moment, but here are a few. One photo is of John S Mosby seated, another is a group of his men, one wearing a slouch hat with plume, Confederate General Rosser and an original Virginia Cavalry officers hat.

 

[megroot]

Decision is made.
Plume is gonna be add.

marc