This cocked hat belonged to Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Stapp, one of Taranaki’s notable military figures. A veteran of the 58th Regiment, Stapp served in the Northern War in 1845 before returning to England. He returned to Taranaki in 1858 and was appointed to a senior position with the militia. Stapp played and important role in planning the settler defences of New Plymouth prior to the First Taranaki War in 1860. He also took an active part in the battle of Waireka. After further service in campaigns on the East Coast he returned to Taranaki and commanded the Taranaki Volunteers before assuming command of the Western Military District in 1881.