Early 1900s – 1917 Era USS Maryland Seaman’s Cap

Early 1900s – 1917 Era USS Maryland Seaman’s Cap.  This cap with 10.5 inch crown was worn by a seaman who served aboard the USS (Armored Cruiser) Maryland. The cap tally is sewn down entirely around the circumference. The interior lining is a fine blue and white checkered material where this sailor stenciled his name twice, still can’t make it out. Cap has a nice wide leather sweatband over 1 3/4 inches.

Size about 7-71/8.

Some toning to the gold lettering, and overall in fine condition.

USS Maryland was commissioned in 1905. She joined the Atlantic Fleet, and and also served as a training ship for the Massachusetts Naval Militia, then in the early Fall of 1906 sailed for the Pacific to join the Asiatic Fleet.  Maryland carried Secretary Knox to Japan for a funeral of that countries emperor.  In 1912, Maryland was used in simulated submarine attack (by USS Pike -SS-6), and was hit by a collapsable torpedo warhead, which was not supposed to damage a ship, but do to the thinness of the hull the torpedo’s dummy warhead punctured the hull, with Maryland taking on several feet of water.  The Navy then took seriously the threat of submarine warfare.  She took part in the engagements at Vera Cruz, Mexico in 1914.  In 1917, with the new Colorado Class battleships being launched, the old Maryland was renamed USS Frederick.  (thus dating the latest this cap can be).

Overall in fine condition. A little research with Maryland’s crews, could likely supply the name of this sailor.