Chris Semancik Forage Caps???

[ColdSteele]

Does anyone know if Chris Semancik is out of the cap making business?

I have a gentlemen in my mess who would like to purchase a Semancik cap but his site is down.

If this is true, does anyone have any other suggestions for a Type II forage cap maker?

Tom Steele
Sally Port Mess
sallyportmess.itgo.com (http://sallyportmess.itgo.com)

[31stWisconsin]

Yes, recently Chris has had some personal issues at home and is no longer making caps.

I got a cap from NJ Sekula, got it in less than a week and have gotten numerous compliments about it.

[westcoastcampaigner]

I wouldn't call having a baby "personal issues" but that's the situation. He will make a special order every once and awhile and I think Regimental Quartermaster in Gettysburg still has some in stock.


Josh Sawyer
Liberty Rifles

[jademonkey]

I would check with Greg Starbuck - his caps are without a doubt the best I have seen. He doesn't have a catalogue per se, but send him an email and if he has time he'll make whatever you want. -Garrett

[KeystoneGuard]

I'll second purchasing a Greg Starbuck cap (nothing against Chris). I just received a Federal Kepi from him and I must say it is outstanding!

[westcoastcampaigner]

According to Tim and Debbie Sheads of S&S Sutler who carry his caps, Greg Starbuck is no longer making Federal forage caps either. Sources for a good Federal forage cap are dwindling these days. I would suggest posting a WTB on one of the forums if you are dead set on getting a Starbuck or Semanick. Hope this helps.

Josh Sawyer
Liberty Rifles

[ltkris81]

You could always try to go through Mike Anderson as well. He used to make hats for the Jersey Skillet Licker. He makes a lot of states rights caps but last time I went to an event with him he had a few new federal caps. But the BST forum is a great place to look. You may be able to find one there. If you are interested in Mike's work I may have a contact email for him. Just PM me.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

http://www.superiorcapcompany.com/typeiforagecap.html Here is another option for a decent Fed forage cap. I know that Wambaugh, White, & Co. have carried them in the past. Contrary to some opinions out there, I've never got a bad Fed cap or hat from Dirty Billy www.dirtybillyshats.com

[hiplainsyank]

What about Don Smith of the Trans-Mississippi Depot?

[westcoastcampaigner]

I will second Ross's endorsement of Superior Cap Company's forage caps. I have not seen one in person but from the pictures I have seen, they compare very closely with the Paul Smith cap I have. Beautiful construction all around. That is the definite direction I would go if I were you. I'm sorry I completely forgot about this option.


Josh Sawyer
Liberty Rifles

[Jubal Early]

There are several good makers of Federal forage caps out there. Sekela's forage caps are dead on.

I'm not familiar with this Superior Cap Co., the Superior Cap Co. started by Mike Stiles was topnotch. Stiles' caps are legendary.

I decided to take a vacation from Federal enlisted forage caps. They are a bit repetitious and frankly boring. I still make Federal Officer forage caps, CS forage caps, and kepis.

Sincerely,

Greg Starbuck

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Thanks for posting that Greg. That clears up some scuttlebutt regarding what you've been making as of late. I'm glad I kept one of your Fed forage caps in decent shape!

[paul hadley]

Thanks for posting that Greg. That clears up some scuttlebutt regarding what you've been making as of late. I'm glad I kept one of your Fed forage caps in decent shape!

Yes, my 11-year-old son still proudly wears his Size 1 federal forage cap for ceremonial events. We won that lid during a raffle for preservation before Franklin a few years ago. Thanks again, Greg!
Paul

[tomb29]

I'm far from an expert on these things but I have gotten some very good feedback on the kepi's and forage caps I got from DGW. I can't say whether they will pass the inspection af a thread counter but for general appearance they worked for me

[hendrickms24]

I'm far from an expert on these things but I have gotten some very good feedback on the kepi's and forage caps I got from DGW.

By DGW do you mean Dixie Gun Works?

Just wondering