This is an iconic and well known identified Confederate slouch with a long collection history. Mildred Remsburg was an early collector of Civil War memorabilia and had a small museum in Sharpsburg, MD behind her general line antique shop. Hat was displayed with top of a 19th century “mustard plaster” box on which is written: “Hat – B. B. Ranson Co. B, 12th Va. Cav. Rosser’s Brigade (J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry) Hampton’s Corps C.S.A. – was wearing when he was sabered June 9th 1863, in Battle of Brandy Station”. Hat is classic imported slouch hat with a indiscernible makers mark which is now only seen with black light (see photo). Slouch hats were among the most popular of headgear during the Civil War. These hats which could be easily folded and carried, saw continued use after the war and few identified ones are known, especially Confederate. Amazingly, slouch hat shows a long 2″ saber slash where Ranson was wounded June 9th, 1863 at the Battle of Brandy Station. Blood is evident with UV light where pooled in sweatband beneath saber mark. Ranson was captured following his wounding, but was exchanged 3 weeks later where he rejoined his unit and was finally paroled April 21, 1865. Pvt. Briscoe B. “Buck” Ranson (1844-1934) served with both the 12th Virginia Cavalry and 43rd Virginia Cavalry. When Briscoe entered service he was in school. After the war, he returned to school as a student in the medical department at the University of Virginia and later at the University of Maryland where he graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1869. He practiced medicine at Harper’s Ferry for 30 years. He is buried in Charlestown, Jefferson Country, West Virginia. Hat is accompanied by file of collection history with old receipts, along with Ranson’s war record. PROVENANCE: Remsburg Museum, Sharpsburg, MD; George Gorman, about 1970; Bill Turner Collection; John Graham Collection, Alexandria, VA; Michael Cunningham Collection 1980; Jim Frasca Collection; Josh Landish Collection, Las Vegas, NV, 1992; The Estate of Morris Racker. CONDITION: Hat is sound and stable. Sweatband has been re-sewn in areas and original silk lining is detached but in place. Blood staining is quite evident with UV light, as is the maker’s mark which is almost invisible with regular light. There are several holes and reductions as typically seen on this pattern from the frequent folding when used. Hat band is complete as is the original brown sewn edging. Hat is soiled overall. The original sign used in museum with penciled inscription is soiled but otherwise solid and all text is discernible. 51956-56 (6,000-8,000)