KCA guide to 'Styling' your campaign hat
Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2021 3:50 pm
Photographs taken during the Spanish War, Philippine Insurrection, and at Regular Army, Volunteer, & National Guard Encampments, in the 1898 to early 1900's period, show an amazing freedom and variety in how individuals expressed themselves through the medium of their chapeau!
The styling may have allowed quick identification of an individual or enabled one to find their hat quickly. Some styles, like the "Montana Peak", were better at shedding rain.
I am sure, when first received, all of a unit's 'campaign hats' looked alike.
Given the boredom and tedium of army life, combined with American creativity and independence, it likely did not take long for a hat to gain 'character'.
This photograph of the 19th U.S. Volunteer Infantry, (although some obvious 'clowning' and drama is going on), shows typical hat 'styles' to be found in all units of the era.
(p.s. - The two bayonets appear to be captured Spanish items).
The styling may have allowed quick identification of an individual or enabled one to find their hat quickly. Some styles, like the "Montana Peak", were better at shedding rain.
I am sure, when first received, all of a unit's 'campaign hats' looked alike.
Given the boredom and tedium of army life, combined with American creativity and independence, it likely did not take long for a hat to gain 'character'.
This photograph of the 19th U.S. Volunteer Infantry, (although some obvious 'clowning' and drama is going on), shows typical hat 'styles' to be found in all units of the era.
(p.s. - The two bayonets appear to be captured Spanish items).