Forage Cap - Type I or Type II

[ThumbStall]

Newbie questions:

To my understanding, both Type I and Type II Federal forage caps were common throughout the war, but what was the difference betweent the two types?

Which do you wear and why?

[Bart73]

this is what i found on skilletlicker's site:

Type I" disc is 5 1/4; "Type II" disc is 5 3/4. The term Type I and II is a reenactorism. Contract hats, like fatigue blouse etc., were done by a contractor, M&G for example or Geo. Hoff of Philadelphia.
regards,
Bart

[Davis Wright]

From my understanding, "Type I" and "Type II" were created by reenactors in order to describe differences in forage caps among various contractors and subcontractors (i.e. Geo. Hoff, L.J.&I., etc.) To specifically answer your question, the "Type I" forage cap has a smaller disk than the "Type II" variant. The actual measurements escape me at the present. I am sure there are others out there that can provide a more detailed description of differences, but that should get you started.

Personally, I own an L.J. & I. Phillips contract version with a smaller disk -- it would be considered a Type I.

[Trooper Graham]

I thought the shape of the bill had something to do with it? Rounded verses kepi style cut front.

TG

[iron_schweick90]

yah i got a type 1 from nick sekela and it has a smaller crown and a more rounded bill. i beleive that the type 2 has a more square cut bill. i may have the numbers mixed up so correct me if im wrong

[Trooper Graham]

yah i got a type 1 from nick sekela and it has a smaller crown and a more rounded bill. i beleive that the type 2 has a more square cut bill. i may have the numbers mixed up so correct me if im wrong

I have a 5 3/4 crown and a rounded bill which I understand to be type 1.

[Rob]

This appeared in the "old" forum way back when, submitted by Mr Sekala, I believe. I offer it for your perusal.

[ThumbStall]

Thanks for the great responses. Think I'll be getting me a Type II. I like the look of that squared brim.

[westcoastcampaigner]

Thanks for the great responses. Think I'll be getting me a Type II. I like the look of that squared brim.

Dear Sir,

Before you go buying for simply the reason stated above, do your research. Research as many photographs as you can find and see what you can see. Many reenactors buy a Type 2 simply because they have a square brim and larger disk which in turn makes for a smarter looking cap. I was of that same mind set until about a year ago when I started looking at photographs and found that the Type 1 cap outnumbered the Type 2 cap 2 to 1. You should always ask yourself "am I buying this because it looks cool or because it is historically correct" before buying a new piece of gear. It is my personal opinion that the Type 1 forage cap is one of the most underrepresented items used by reenactors today. I'm not trying to lecture you on this but research is key in making a purchase such as this due to the fact that a good forage cap is probably the most important not to mention most visible items of your kit. My advise to you, if your budget allows, is to get both styles and wear them accordingly based on your research. Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Josh Sawyer

P.S. Greg Starbuck, Joel Bohy, Nick Sekela, and Chris Semanick are your best makers of caps. You can't go wrong with any of them.

[Rob]

I bought a Type "Two" from the Skillet Licker a year and a half ago. The crown is large, but the brim is smaller than one would expect, and somewhat curved, similar to a "One". Does it represent a hybrid? Or a contractor variation? Who cares? After wearing it in all kinds of weather, it doesn't look much like either one anymore.