paul kennedy Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter monahan Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul kennedy Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farkas Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul kennedy Posted October 26, 2018 Author Share Posted October 26, 2018 It's quite possible. I'm making my assumption based on lack of holes on the interior. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter monahan Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SemperParatus Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul kennedy Posted October 27, 2018 Author Share Posted October 27, 2018 Thank you Matt. That is an amazing photograph. Thank you to everyone who replied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farkas Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter monahan Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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