i think they pined it there because it was a larger erea for the badge to sit flat on the hat, on the front of the hat, they tended to stick out ,and get probly knocked off ,iand they broke easyly if were not lead filled
Thanks dean im currently finishing off a 1876 campaign hat , and have managed to get over the problem of folding the edge of the brim over , like the orignals. ive got to the sweatband stage now , and was wondering if you or anyone else could tell me the correct color to dye , going by hats ive seen for sale , its a redish color of a tan. thanks peter
Peter,
Just a couple of questions for you. Weren't 1876 Campaign Hats black? According to the regulations I found on line, they were. The later models were described as "drab", which I assume was the light brown/tan/beige color many hats have. What is your technique for bending over the brim edge? With an 1876 model, it would be folded bottom over top, of course. The M1904s that I want to recreate folded top over bottom, yet bending wool felt is hard enough, the fur felt is even trickier. Can't wait to see your work!
dean
Does anyone know when, or why, the hat device (crossed sabers/rifles) went from the side of the hat to the front?
I've seen photos from the civil war with them on the front, then some from the Spanish American war era with them on the side, then back to front. Any idea why? Was it a service branch thing? An individual unit thing?
i think they pined it there because it was a larger erea for the badge to sit flat on the hat, on the front of the hat, they tended to stick out ,and get probly knocked off ,iand they broke easyly if were not lead filled
This is just my guess, but it seems that individuality was allowed, or perhaps even encouraged, and the placement of insignias were something that the individual soldier/Marine determined. The concept of individuality is not some thing that we veterans of the latter twentieth century can relate to, but it seems to be the norm during earlier periods. I base this conclusion on the fact that so many group photos show enlisted men AND officers/NCOs in the same photo with all manner of individualism present; clearly the *bosses* knew about it. Just my .02!
Best,
TomS
I don't remember my NCO's ever talking about individualism. I must have been on sick call that day. Thanks, TomS.
Reading what he wrote, I think he's asking about dying the sweatband, not the hat body.
Peter,
Just a couple of questions for you. Weren't 1876 Campaign Hats black? According to the regulations I found on line, they were. The later models were described as "drab", which I assume was the light brown/tan/beige color many hats have. What is your technique for bending over the brim edge? With an 1876 model, it would be folded bottom over top, of course. The M1904s that I want to recreate folded top over bottom, yet bending wool felt is hard enough, the fur felt is even trickier. Can't wait to see your work!
dean
This is just my guess, but it seems that individuality was allowed, or perhaps even encouraged, and the placement of insignias were something that the individual soldier/Marine determined. The concept of individuality is not something that we veterans of the latter twentieth century can relate to, but it seems to be the norm during earlier periods. I base this conclusion on the fact that so many group photos show enlisted men AND officers/NCOs in the same photo with all manner of individualism present; clearly the *bosses* knew about it. Just my .02!
Best,
TomS
just to add, the hat i used was a civil slouch hat from river junction, that had the 6inch crown like orignals, then i got the correct rippon and vents form dirty bills. peter
This was a different Navy than the one I knew!
I suspect if you read my post with greater care you will take greater clarity, sir. While I recognize you are new to the forum, your sarcasm isn't well placed.