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ENLISTED MEN'S
INSIGNIAS FOR THE MODEL 1872 US ARMY FORAGE CAP OR KEPI
– ORIGINAL – INFANTRY, ARTILLERY, COMMISSARY, ENGINEER, HOSPITAL STEWARD,
MUSICIAN, SIGNAL, QUARTERMASTER:
These insignias were issued to the enlisted men who made
up the various staff departments of the Indian War
army. For the most part, these were issued in far
smaller numbers than the artillery, cavalry and infantry
cap insignias and as a result, are far scarcer today
than the crossed cannons, sabres and rifles that are
normally available.
Each of these is an
original insignia and not one of the later restrikes. I
have the following limited selection – each one a single
piece – and when this supply is exhausted, I’m not sure
when or if I will find any others. Each is described
below with accompanying photographs.
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FORAGE CAP BADGE WREATH:
This is an original brass wreath used as the foundation
for the M1872 Forage Cap Insignias throughout the Indian
War era. The
wreath is full form, however both attaching loops are
missing - something that would be easily replaced.
Scarce piece to find on the loose.
(0424) $45
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ORIGINAL
ENLISTED STAFF MEMBERS INSIGNIA FOR THE MODEL 1872 US
ARMY FORAGE CAP OR KEPI AND FOR THE MODEL 1881 DRESS
HELMET STAFF EAGLE PLATE – SIGNAL AND QUARTERMASTER: These insignias were issued to
the enlisted men who made up the various staff
departments of the Indian War army. For the most part,
these were issued in far smaller numbers than the
artillery, cavalry, and infantry cap insignias and as a
result, are far scarcer today than the crossed cannons,
sabres and rifles that are normally available.
Each of these is an original insignia and not one of the
later restrikes. I have the following limited selection
– each one a single piece – and when this supply is
exhausted, I’m not sure when or if I will find any
others. Each is described below with accompanying
photographs.
ca. 1881 SIGNAL CORPS FORAGE CAP INSIGNIA:
The scarcer 1881 white metal crossed signal flags
without the torch which would be added in 1891. Both
attaching wires are present on the reverse. (0910) $75
ca. 1879 QUARTERMASTER FORAGE CAP INSIGNIA:
White metal crossed quill and key with the attaching
wires on the reverse intact. (0911) $75
ca. 1877 COMMISSARY FORAGE CAP INSIGNIA:
White metal crossed quill and key with the attaching
wires on the reverse intact. (0138) $75
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MODEL 1875 INFANTRY FORAGE
CAP OR KEPI INSIGNIA – ORIGINAL:
An original Model 1875 Infantry Kepi or Forage Cap
Insignia, introduced in 1875 to replace the previous
hunting horn patterns, this Crossed Rifle pattern was
the first version of the now familiar standard Infantry
insignia.
This insignia was affixed
to the front of the crown of the Infantry Soldier’s hat
and measures 2 3/8” long and 1 3/8” high. This insignia
shows some evidence of having been once attached to a
cap, having some wear limited to the high points of the
flats of the rifle butt stocks, but otherwise retains a
nice shiny surface. Three of the four attaching wires
are present on the reverse.
This insignia will be a
nice addition to your Indian War Infantry uniform and
equipment collection. (0426) $45
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MODEL 1872 ARTILLERY FORAGE CAP OR KEPI INSIGNIA –
ORIGINAL: An original Model 1875 Artillery Kepi
or Forage Cap Insignia, which was introduced in 1872 to
replace the larger insignia dating from before the Civil
War.
This insignia was affixed to the front of the crown of
the Infantry Soldier’s hat and measures 2” long and 1 ¼”
high. This insignia is unissued, old original stock, in
like new condition, however one of the four attaching
loops on the reverse is missing – the other three are
present. .
Less common than the infantry and cavalry Forage Cap
insignias, this artillery insignia will be a nice
addition to your Indian War uniform and equipment
collection. (0425) $55
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1901 HOSPITAL STEWARDS MALTESE CROSS HAT INSIGNIA
AS WORN ON THE M1895 FORAGE CAP – UNISSUED ON ORIGINAL
UNIFORM SUPPLY CARD: Introduced in 1901, these
Maltese Crosses designated the staff NCO as a Hospital
Steward and were worn on the front of the M1895 US Army
Enlisted Forage Cap. These are unissued, on the
original paper board uniform supply card stock and are
complete with the knurled screw back knob and the two
pins to prevent the insignia from rotating out of
alignment on the hat. The crosses are made of German
Silver and still retain their original luster. The card
show their age with some discoloration, but the card
stock is intact and full form. The cross measures 7/8”
wide and high, and the card measures 2 ½” square. Have
only a few of these and with the short period they were
used, this cap insignia is not commonly found. $25
 
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ca.
1879 QUARTERMASTER FORAGE CAP BADGE:
White metal crossed quill and key with a separate brass
wreath. The attaching wires on the reverse of the both
pieces are intact.
SOLD
 
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ca.
1900 QUARTERMASTER FORAGE CAP BADGE:
A later version, this white metal crossed quill and key
mounted on the crossbar spanning the interior of the
brass wreath which is fitted with a threaded screw post
and nut. SOLD
 
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ENGINEER FORAGE CAP BADGE:
A white metal engineer’s castle mounted on the crossbar
spanning the interior of the brass wreath. The
wreath is full form with the attaching pin intact.
SOLD
 
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HOSPITAL STEWARD’S FORAGE CAP BADGE - EARLY PATTERN:
A white metal caduceus with a brass wreath.
The attaching wires on the reverse of the both pieces
are intact. The ingenious Steward who wore this
set permanently soldered the caduceus to the wreath to
simplify mounting it on his forage cap. In very
nice condition, this is a particularly scarce set due to
the low number of medical enlisted men in the Indian War
army. SOLD
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ca. 1891
SIGNAL CORPS FORAGE CAP BADGE:
White metal signal flags and torch mounted on the
crossbar spanning the interior of the brass wreath. The
wreath is full form with the attaching pin intact.
SOLD
 
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MUSICIAN’S FORAGE CAP BADGE:
A white metal lyre mounted on the crossbar spanning the
interior of the brass wreath. The wreath is full form
with the attaching pin intact.
SOLD
 
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COMMISSARY FORAGE CAP BADGE:
A white metal crescent with a separate brass wreath.
The wire on the reverse of the crescent has come loose,
but is enclosed with this set and would be an easy
repair. The wreath is full form with the attaching pin
intact, making for a nice complete set.
SOLD
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