Posted 11 years ago
LanceG
(17 items)
Purchased at auction, I believe this is a model 1895 "pillbox" forage cap of the kind used during the Indian wars and the Spanish American war. the device on the front has crossed Crag rifles. The frame is wicker with a strong leather reinforcement. Strap and buttons are missing. Leather is still attached inside. I could find no markings. This is older than I usually collect. I would appreciate everyone's opinions whether I have identified it correctly.
The Krag wasn't adapted by the military until around 1894 & cap insignia certainly didn't immediately change. My guess is mid to late 90's & could possibly be Spanish Amer. War or probably, just as likely, later. Nice find! You can send it to me for further appraisal. LOL
Not sure on this one.
The material is not the felt type material that I usually see with these. It MAY be a civilian/ fraternal item embellished with the crossed rifles.
scott
I just took out my standard issue '95 forage cap and compared it with what you have. The material looks wrong as mine has a felt without the line-like pattern. the side vents are larger on yours, and mine has only a single side vent per side, also the bill is much bigger, and the bell crown is too pronounced. I suppose it could be a different variation of the M1895, but I personally agree with scottvez that it's a civilian/fraternal piece.
It is certainly not felt, and the device is a pin, not a screwback, which suggests to me that it may be a collar pin and not a hat badge. @Chrisnp, two vents per side is correct, the army specifications for the M1895 list " black metal eyelets for ventilation, two (2) on each side, placed above the band, the center of each eyelet to be about five-eighths inch from the upper seam of the cap and one and one-half inches apart from each other."
WOW guys, I'm really impressed! And people wonder if we have any knowledgeable members?!! Closely following this. Interesting knowledge.
LOL civilian is so much more difficult- Odd Fellows, Templars, Train conductor- without tags or an original device I don't know that it can be positively identified. I am going to leave the infantry device on the front and display it as a really old hat....
OK, how did I mess that up??? There are two side vents on mine as well, but they look smaller. This is what I get for looking at my collection at home, but posting from my office.
Chrisnp thanks for posting yours!