British Marine Caps c. 1775

 

  Recently got some information concerning the uniforms of the British Marine detachment at Boston in 1774-5.  There were especially nice clear pictures from the museum of parts of the flank company caps that survived into the 20th century.  There is also some information about the button lace actually worn but that will be another post.

  First some background.  General Thomas Gage, military governor of Massachusetts and commander of British troops there needed additional Soldiers.  Admiral Graves agreed to land some of his Marines from the ships.  These were organized into a infantry battalion or regiment (terms interchangeable in 18th century) under Major John Pitcairn.  They were issued regular army equipment which included haversacks, water bottles, should belts for bayonets and cartridge boxes.  Orders were sent to Britain for Grenadier and Light Infantry caps.

Original Grenadier Cap from period

Original cap taken apart.

  The new Grenadier cap was light weight and folded flat.  Above is a photograph of an original cap in remarkably good condition as well as one that fell apart and the parts that made it up.  Grenadier caps  were constructed around a tin front plate which gave the cap it's outline and shape.  The bear skin was sewed around it.  Here are pictures of a original cap's various pieces to show how it was put together. Note the bear skin sewed in shape, the tin plate it is attached to and front plate to cover it.  There is a linen cap inside the cap and decorative cords outside.  The only part missing is the red wool covering the back.  That made them portable and very light.  You can fold them flat.

Photographs of an original marine cap in the Marine's  Regimental museum.  All that was left was the thin tin plate and the Marine regimental front plate.  Its fascinating and showed the plate very well that Marines wore.

here is the Light Infantry cap.  The plate is very detailed.  The body of the cap is cloth with white lace sewed on.  You can also see in the top photo the holes where the cap plate was attached.  Although the black and white photos make it appear the body of the cap is black, the Charles Stadden illustration at the top shied it as red.  I know Stadden was very careful in his research so its possible he examined the original.   The cap plate does not show any traces of paint on it.