U.S. 22nd Infantry Officer’s Forage Cap – SOLD

Description

Even years ago when there was much less interest in the Indian Wars era, these officers forage caps were never around in large numbers, and most of what you did see had condition problems or turned out to be “school boy.”

The 22nd Infantry officer’s forage cap (or kepi), is in very nice condition, with the only flaws being the age toning of the gold and silver bullion, and some tattering of the lining; other than that, a very desirable piece.

The side buttons are eagle with “I” in the shields, and the bullion chinstrap are all original and fine.  I love the personalized knot tied in the center of the chinstrap, as obviously this must have kept coming loose and and the owner solved the problem.

The maker’s label is incorporated into the lining, “Ridabock & Co., Formerly Baker & McKenney, (etc.), NY.”  The Ridabock firm bought out the former in 1883, and ran this label (formerly Baker & McK) until about 1887. That places this cap in the latter part of the Indian Wars.

For the “Old Army” types, this pattern cap had always been their favorite, and referred to the new pattern M1895 as “those damned conductor hats.”

I have included in with the cap a small photo of an officer were a very similar cap. The photo is not ID’d and I am not selling it as the owner of this cap; just that they looked good together.

Get’m while you can.

USPS Priority Mail  $14.00