Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive

Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive
General >> Chit-Chat (for poking fun and off topic subjects) >> Ugly cap club http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1547364594 Message started by butlersrangers on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 7:29am

Title: Ugly cap club
Post by butlersrangers on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 7:29am

My new 'Shooting Chapeau', a copy of the U. S. model 1895 Kepi.

Sometimes referred to as, "that damned Conductor's hat".

It can be worn with shooting-muffs, which is a good thing, because it makes my ears look big!

The cat likes it, judging by the feline hair it attracts.

The new cap and a picture of a 'shirt-tail' relative, circa 1902, 3rd Regiment, Co.E, Michigan National Guard.

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Title: Re: Ugly cap club
Post by Knute1 on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 1:24pm

Can't say that I have ever had a hankering to have one. Hope it serves you well. Does the design serve some type of functionality or is it all for style and fashion?

Title: Re: Ugly cap club
Post by butlersrangers on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 2:48pm

I guess they just got tired of the C.W. style Kepi and wanted something more 'modern'.

It appears mainly in National Guard and 'garrison' photos of regular troops. I haven't noticed it much in active service, during war time, photos.

(But, it is contemporary with the U.S. Krag and I got a repro from S&S Firearms for display purposes).

By 1902, a new 'Bell-Crown' (flared) cap came into fashion and looked more 'rakish'.

Maybe, if the model 1895 Kepi had incorporated ear-flaps, it would have won more hearts!

Title: Re: Ugly cap club
Post by Knute1 on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 3:36pm

Yeah, ear flaps, that's the ticket for a "Conductor's hat" (pun intended).

Title: Re: Ugly cap club
Post by butlersrangers on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 6:18pm

Language is a dangerous thing. ;D

Even the RAILWAY Conductor's cap had a bit more flair, but, no flaps.

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Title: Re: Ugly cap club
Post by butlersrangers on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 6:34pm

FWIW - A lot of the SAW period, ("crossed cap-lock muskets"), badges survive in mint condition.

Maybe, they weren't all that popular. If not positioned, installed, and worn carefully, it could make a cap or hat a "crown of thorns".

Original model 1895 Kepis usually seem to have a stiffening band sewn in the top seam and a front grommet for the badge.
This helps keep the bent connecting pins and the long screw-shank from touching the forehead.

These badges would be more risky on a soft campaign hat or softer replica Kepi.

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Title: Re: Ugly cap club
Post by Baltimoreed on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 6:51pm

Like the DA Colts in your cabinet photo. But I’m curious, I don’t see lanyard rings on the two Colts where you can see their butts. I thought that all military Colt DAs had them while the civilian versions didn’t. Also their sabers are as long as their krag carbines. That had to be a real struggle and on a horse too! Here’s my cabinet photo.

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Title: Re: Ugly cap club
Post by butlersrangers on Jan 13^th, 2019 at 8:36pm

It does not appear that the revolvers have lanyard rings.

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