An individual U.S. Army Model 1895 Enlisted Man’s forage cap, [circa 1895–1902]. Retains its original interior leather sweatband, size tag, and brown fabric lining.

A beautifully preserved specimen of late 19th-century American military headgear. This M1895 forage cap represents the final evolutionary step of the "visored cap" era before the U.S. Army transitioned to olive drab service caps in the 20th century. Constructed of a rich, dark midnight-blue wool, the cap features the characteristic straight, cylindrical sides and flat top that defined Indian Wars and Spanish-American War-era dress. Affixed to the front is a striking, bright gilt-brass castle insignia of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, set beautifully above a bound leather chinstrap secured by two small, matching brass side buttons.

The tan leather sweatband on the interior of the cap is securely stitched and boasts hand-written period ink initials near the front. Deep research could conceivably identify the original owner. Tucked neatly along the rear seam is an original, square red-and-white paper size label indicating a head size of 7 1/4. The underside of the black leather visor exhibits the classic green-tinted finish common to late Victorian military contracts, designed to reduce glare for soldiers in the field.

The M1895 cap was widely worn during the Spanish-American War and the subsequent Philippine-American War, serving as a staple of garrison and field service life. Because the dark blue wool felt was inherently susceptible to moth damage, heavy staining, and structural crushing, finding an example that remains completely un-messed with is a rare treat for collectors. 

Excellent. This is a near-mint example of a hard-to-find cap.