BRITISH WWI 1902 STIFF TOP CAP, IDENTIFIED.

The very difficult to obtain British enlisted mans cap that began WWI as the standard headress for the enlisted men , the 1902 stiff top cap. This example stamped 7 1/8th has seen substantial wear, the nap overall is very thin. There are no moth holes. Worn by Arthur Willis, a member of the Gloucestershire Regiment. The white metal Gloucestershire badge is affixed to the front with a small brass Egypt badge worn on the back, this was a tradition in the Gloucestershire Regiment and later The Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments were unique in British Army traditions for wearing a badge on both the front and back of their headdress. This badge was a unique honour awarded after the regiment fought in the battle of Alexandria in 1801 defending against Napolean’s troops. The cap is complete with its original narrow First World War chinstrap, General Service side buttons. To the interior the maker’s stamp of ‘Compton & Sons’ with size clear, there is a date just below the size, which unfortunately is difficult to read but would appear to be 1916, also a series of ink stamped numbers are to the upper inner oilskin cover and from those numbers research has revealed the name of ‘Arthur Wallis’, a private in the Gloucestershire Regiment. The oilskin liner is present, much wear to the liner and to the dome of the inner crown, which has partly obliterated the date of the manufacturer of the cap. Added to this rare item is its original sun protecting neck flap, which is multi stitched with its original tape.

Code: 93503