Canadian 1905 Service Cap

[paul kennedy]

Hello, 

I recently picked up a 1905 Canadian Service cap from Collector's Guild, and I have a question. It shows no signs of ever having a badge affixed, but looks worn to the crown. Were these ever worn without badges?

Thank you in advance.

[peter monahan]

Not normally.  At the very least it should have been fitted with a General Service badge - the large maple leaf with 'CANADA' across the bottom - of which there were several variants.  More usually, it had a regimental/battalion or corps badge.  The only thing I can think of is that it was never issued to troops and the wear was acquired  by later owners.  A bit of a mystery.

Otherwise, it looks like a nice old original, complete, I think, with the remains of a broad arrow inside a 'C' in the crown in white paint/ink.

Edited October 25, 2018 by peter monahan

[paul kennedy]

Thank you for your reply. I can't find any lug holes on the inside of the cap. I don't know if there is something I am missing.

[Farkas]

Hi Gents

just a thought...

could it have been a pin back badge like this one below?

It would not have left a significant sign?

this one is mine but I don’t know if it’s from that period or if even a cap badge.

just a thought.....

tony

8 hours ago, peter monahan said:

Not normally.  At the very least it should have been fitted with a General Service badge - the large maple leaf with 'CANADA' across the bottom - of which there were several variants.  More usually, it had a regimental/battalion or corps badge.  The only thing I can think of is that it was never issued to troops and the wear was acquired  by later owners.  A bit of a mystery.

Otherwise, it looks like a nice old original, complete, I think, with the remains of a broad arrow inside a 'C' in the crown in white paint/ink.

 

[paul kennedy]

It's quite possible. I'm making my assumption based on lack of holes on the interior.

[peter monahan]

I thought of a pin back but as far as I know that is not the standard fixing method.  I suspect the 'brooch mounting' on that badge is a later conversion/pattern.  Could explain it though.

[SemperParatus]

Hi Paul, 

For what it's worth, your post reminded me of an image of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles in Toronto in 1914.

Here is a link to the photo (held by Library and Archives Canada):

You will notice most of the enlisted men are without any capbadges on their service caps. 

 

Cheers

Matt

Edited October 27, 2018 by SemperParatus

[paul kennedy]

Thank you Matt. That is an amazing photograph.

Thank you to everyone who replied.

[Farkas]

Top marks!

13 hours ago, SemperParatus said:

Hi Paul, 

For what it's worth, your post reminded me of an image of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles in Toronto in 1914.

Here is a link to the photo (held by Library and Archives Canada):

You will notice most of the enlisted men are without any capbadges on their service caps. 

 

Cheers

Matt

 

[peter monahan]

I would assume that the lack of cap badges - the 4th C.M.R. wore an odd/ugly one of a moose - was due to the early date on the photo and the fact that the unit was raised in November,1914.  Some units of the CEF had badges - some or all - made in the UK after arrival there.  And then promptly added them to their caps, of course, so how a cap could last the War without being badged is still a mystery to me, unless it belonged to someone who was invalided out [for example] from a newly raised unit like the 4th and he just kept the cap.  A real puzzle.