. Bulletin - United States National Museum. Science. Figure 52.—Cap, 1851. staff of dragoons to $ for an infantry private. The cost of the 1839 forage cap was 81^ cents in 1848.'''^ Based on the old issue rate of two dress caps and one forage cap for each five year enlistment, it cost the government $^ to furnish an infantry- private with all his old pattern headgear for one enlist- ment exclusive of trim and insignia. The 1851 cap was to be issued at the rate of seven for each five year enlistment, or a total of $ plus insignia and trim. The goal of simphcity had been achieved, b
. Bulletin - United States National Museum. Science. Figure 52.—Cap, 1851. staff of dragoons to $ for an infantry private. The cost of the 1839 forage cap was 81^ cents in 1848.'''^ Based on the old issue rate of two dress caps and one forage cap for each five year enlistment, it cost the government $^ to furnish an infantry- private with all his old pattern headgear for one enlist- ment exclusive of trim and insignia. The 1851 cap was to be issued at the rate of seven for each five year enlistment, or a total of $ plus insignia and trim. The goal of simphcity had been achieved, but not that of economy. The cap was issued as early as September 1851 by the recruiting service.^'^ The adoption of this cap form was a distinct im- provement in several respects. There was but one form of headgear for officers and enlisted personnel. It varied only in quality and was authorized to serve for full dress, dress, fatigue, and campaign duties. This an- swered the long-standing complaints of the officers and also eased the strain on their pocketbooks. The new cap, with its forward sloping crown giving a rather rakish appearance, was certainly more colorful and graceful in looks than the 1832-1833 models. It was lower, measuring some 6J4 inches in front as opposed to the former height of IY2 inches. The spherical pompon was only 2^ inches in diameter, a great change from the former plumes that in some cases towered as much as 12j/> inches over the already tall cap. As mentioned earlier, the 1832 cap was the first of a series based on French rather than British styles. The 1851 model continued to reflect this influence: it was almost an exact copy of the form adopted by the French in ;"" Serving a dual purpose, this cap was a compromise, and like most compromises was not a complete success. Though lower and lighter than the old pattern, it was not as light or as practical for active duty as the forage cap, which sat almost flush with the head.
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Keywords: ., bookauthorun, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectscience
