This visor-less form of cap was not US regulation, but shows up in some late-war Civil War images of officers and a taller version was uniform in the 3^rd New Jersey Cavalry, the “Butterflies.” The cap gained popularity in the British army in the 1850s and was adopted by some in the U.S. for its associations with hussars and light cavalry and for its very trim and natty appearance that fit well with later US military style. This has a yellow band around the sides and on top a narrow yellow cording around the perimeter with a central yellow disk and two very Victorian style looping circles of black cord between. The front of the cap has a set of 1872-pattern crossed cavalry sabers. The black lining is embossed with a size “7” and a Ridabock & Company maker or retailer label with a 4^th Avenue address dating it 1899-1909.

The condition is good. Lining and sweatband are in place. Small eagle side buttons are present. A chinstrap, likely gold braid, is missing, but could be replaced. There is some dust, stains, and some moth damage as shown, the latter mainly some small nips at the wearer’s upper left rear edge and three larger spots on the wearer’s upper right front that could be backed with some matching fabric.

This is a very colorful example of late 19^th-century American military headgear.  [sr] [ph:m]

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