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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Canadian/British Officer's Pattern Cap - WW1?


SoldatJV

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Hello everyone, can anyone tell me if this cap is WW1? Thin chinstrap and hint of brown paint on both buttons. Any information or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The large peak with cloth top and bottom suggests it might be WW2 rather than WW1, although it can be very difficult to date caps because they were an individual purchase rather than government issue, there were variety of different patterns, and the gap between the two wars was relatively short.  It’s a specialised area in itself and to date accurately the lining and internal construction needs to be closely examined to get an accurate assessment.  I enclose images of two caps whose WW1 provenance has been established for you to compare externally.  Notice the difference between the cloth used.  Some were whipcord, some barathea, some fine serge and some cotton.  Some had stiffened tops and others soft tops and there were versions too with folding ear flaps for use in inclement weather.

 

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Thanks, Frogsmile. The peak looks large in the photo but it is smaller than it looks. Did they continue using thin chinstraps up to WW2? 

Edited by SoldatJV
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8 hours ago, SoldatJV said:

Thanks, Frogsmile. The peak looks large in the photo but it is smaller than it looks. Did they continue using thin chinstraps up to WW2? 


The wider chin straps seem to have been the more common in WW2, but I do not know when they were first introduced.  It’s such an obscure accessory that I’ve never seen it mentioned in any history of uniform in any kind of detail, which is frustrating as it would be a useful feature to aid dating.

Edited by FROGSMILE
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8 hours ago, SoldatJV said:

Am I correct to guess that the lining quilted in circular pattern is typically ww1 period?

Not especially so, no.  It was a technique used by some hatters in both world wars and provided extra warmth (quilting was commonly used within military tailoring for some forms of officers uniform).  There was quite a lot of variation in construction features, not least because of competition.  Each maker sought unique selling features.

Edited by FROGSMILE
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