Posted 10 years ago
Chrisnp
(310 items)
Well, since I messed up in describing my cap in LanceG’s 1895 forage cap post, I decided I’d just go ahead and post mine for comparison. This is the enlisted man’s version which was worn from 1895 until it was replaced by the Model 1902 cap. I’ve made sure to highlight those darn vent holes in my last photo.
The name “Otto Zimmer” is scratched into the sweatband, but the person who traded the cap to me years ago admitted that he had added the 13th Cavalry insignia to the front for display purposes, so we can’t be sure what unit Zimmer was actually with. I did find a Spanish American War veteran named Private Otto C. Zimmer of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry, enlisted 1898, discharged 1899 – so this could be him, but I think that’s inconclusive.
Chris, If this was a 4th Wisc. cap I think it would have Wisconsin buttons instead of federals ?
US buttons vs. Wisconsin buttons wouldn't concern me.
As a Span Am War unit that was mustered into Federal Service (although not deployed), it would not be unusual for the Rgt to receive an issue of equipment through the Federal Gov't.
scott
Militarist, I wondered about that myself but thought it was likely that they were issued uniforms through the federal supply chain as Scott stated. I would have considered Wisconsin buttons proof I'd found my man, but as I said, I think what I do have is inconclusive.
Our Wisconsin Zimmer died in the 1940s and this cap was traded to me by another soldier in Texas in the 1980s. Who knows how many people have owned this cap or where it's traveled since the actual Otto Zimmer carved his name there.
Lovely example! Yes, correct number of vent holes in the side.. :) I will have to keep looking, but it will be hard to find anything in this condition, and named to boot. Thanks for sharing!
The reason I brought up the button designs is that the Wisc. design buttons were not replaced with the Federal designs until April of 1912 after which only the collar brass retained a Wisconsin design.
Wow, I really haven't been very courteous.
Thanks for the love vanskyock24, Peterdrury, Dan121156, miKKoChristmas11, Windwalker, petey, LanceG, walksoftly, OCAD, Manikin, vetraio50, RonM, AmberRose, officialfuel, blunder, and scottvez.
And thanks for the love all the folks here have shown my previous items. I really like the sense of community that you all contribute to the CW experience