Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Philippine-American / Moro Rebellion era Model 1902 peaked visor in Navy blue. The visor was worn by a member of the US Army 13th Artillery Regiment, Battery H. The M1902 replaced the earlier M1895 pattern. This was the U.S. Army's second example of a visor cap after leaving the traditional kepi design. Like the M1895, it is made of wool, and has a leather visor bound with patent leather, lined on the underside with lacquered paper. It does have the lovely Artillery Red band going around the cap, and retains a patent leather shin strap retained by gilded brass federal regulation general service buttons.

The inside lining is in wonderful condition and still retains a lovely polished black cotton appearance. The leather sweatband is complete and in great condition. The top of the lining still retains a complete and legible makers mark:

THE M.C. LILLEY & CO
MANUFACTURERS
OF
MILITARY
AND
SOCIETY
GOODS
COLUMBUS. OHIO

M.C. Lilley & Company was another Columbus business that would benefit greatly as a manufacturer of ready-made uniforms after the Civil War. By 1870, the company already occupied an entire four-story building on S. High Street, with a glass-fronted showroom and retail store on the first floor. This size of an operation positioned the company for tremendous growth and success in the coming "Golden Age of Fraternalism." During this period, from 1870-1910, over 20 percent of men in the United States belonged to a fraternal organization, which served various purposes such as mutual aid and insurance, political interests, social functions, and the comfort of stability and belonging in a dynamic post-war society that was rapidly industrializing. Clothing played a very important role in the ritual ceremonies for these societies, and M.C. Lilley & Co. capitalized on this influx of demand by manufacturing ritual costumes and attire. The most demanded and most commercially profitable form of military regalia, however, was the military-style uniform, which the company also produced for state militias, telegraph operators, and railway workers.

This is a wonderful example with very minor moth nips present. It would be extremely difficult to upgrade from this one! Comes more than ready for further research and display.