Sekela Forage Cap With Ventilator

[Ken]

Let me say first off that I have always felt that the brass ventilator which can be seen on quite a few surviving forage caps was an item that has been conspicuously absent in the hobby for so many years. There have been a few attempts over the years to provide hat ventilators (not thee ventilator) with poor results. I always said that if someone produced a replica based on exacting standards I would be the first in line to get one. Well I did.

I recently purchased a Sekela Type II cap with a ventilator. Besides the fact that cap itself is first rate (top quality wool of the correct color, precise patterns taken from original caps, spot on chin strap buckle, High quality workmanship, etc. etc.) all I can say is wow!! The ventilator is amazing. I know it's just a simple little brass device so why get all excited about it? Well, to be honest I've seen a number of original caps up close sporting these over the years and Nick's reproduction is spot on. I mean you can't do it any better, no way, no how. He's resurrected these little beauties in exacting detail. If your in the market for highly authentic forage cap I highly recommend one of Nick's and don't pass up the ventilators, they are amazing!

[Skip Arensmann]

Let me say first off that I have always felt that the brass ventilator which can be seen on quite a few surviving forage caps was an item that has been conspicuously absent in the hobby for so many years. There have been a few attempts over the years to provide hat ventilators (not thee ventilator) with poor results. I always said that if someone produced a replica based on exacting standards I would be the first in line to get one. Well I did.

I recently purchased a Sekela Type II cap with a ventilator. Besides the fact that cap itself is first rate (top quality wool of the correct color, precise patterns taken from original caps, spot on chin strap buckle, High quality workmanship, etc. etc.) all I can say is wow!! The ventilator is amazing. I know it's just a simple little brass device so why get all excited about it? Well, to be honest I've seen a number of original caps up close sporting these over the years and Nick's reproduction is spot on. I mean you can't do it any better, no way, no how. He's resurrected these little beauties in exacting detail. If your in the market for highly authentic forage cap I highly recommend one of Nick's and don't pass up the ventilators, they are amazing!

Ken:
I must second what you've written, with the exception that I've not seen that many originals. I have 2 of Nick's caps, one with the ventilator. I am writing to add that the ventilator works---works very well, even in the Midwest's high-humidity heat. As you put it, amazing!

[Rob]

I am writing to add that the ventilator works---works very well, even in the Midwest's high-humidity heat.

That's what I wanted to know - whether or not the thing actually did some good. If I'm going to buy and break in a new cap - something I don't really want to do - I want it to be worth it. Thanks for the tip.

The other thing I would like to know is whether or not it seals tightly against rain. Keep us posted!

[Ken]

That's what I wanted to know - whether or not the thing actually did some good. If I'm going to buy and break in a new cap - something I don't really want to do - I want it to be worth it. Thanks for the tip.

The other thing I would like to know is whether or not it seals tightly against rain. Keep us posted!

Rob,
I haven't used it in the rain. It closes up pretty tight. I would probably throw my rain cover on my cap (also a Sekela and also very cool) no matter what.

[Ken]

Ken:
I must second what you've written, with the exception that I've not seen that many originals. I have 2 of Nick's caps, one with the ventilator. I am writing to add that the ventilator works---works very well, even in the Midwest's high-humidity heat. As you put it, amazing!

Frank,

I noticed the same thing! I had the cap on today out in the afternoon sun and heat. That little ventilator works pretty good! So not only does it look cool it actually does keep the old melon cooler. I've got the Type II. I'm probably going to get a type I also with a ventilator.

[17thMich.]

I have to agree with the others- It was almost 90 today,but my Sekela Ventilator cap kept my head so cool that I had to put my greatcoat on!

[Ken]

Ha, I don't know if I would go that far!!

[hoosiersojer]

Was wondering..,just how common were these ventilator caps?Does anyone have any background info on this interesting little feature?Thanks...




Kevin Waggoner
4th OVI,Co.B
"Union Guards"

[Ken]

From Paul Loane & John Langellier U.S. Army Headgear 1812-1872

"A creative but now unknown Northerner devised a brass ventilator to encourage air to flow under the soldiers hot cap. It was installed by cutting a hole in the pasteboard crown, inserting the device and crimping two rings of tabs around each side to hold it in place. An outer disk could then be rotated to either open or close the holes. A number of these are known in private collections, seen in period photographs, and excavated by relic hunters, testifying to their popularity."

Since these were not a government issue item, exact numbers in use are impossible to say, however they do appear to have provided the soldier with a better, neater method of letting air into the cap and did a lot less damage to the cap than punching holes through the crown with the bayonet as can also be seen on a number of surviving caps.

[ley74]

Well, they did it. Who out there will punch a hole in a Sekela cap?

Super Hardcore!