Grenadier cap

1740–1770

Place madeConnecticut, United States, North America

Wool, linen

Overall: 3 3/4 in. × 13 in. × 10 1/2 in. (9.5 × 33 × 26.7 cm)

Purchase

1890.3

This cap, which was purchased from an antique shop in New London, Conn., was probably the headdress of some independent grenadier company formed in Connecticut prior to the Revolutionary War. It is said to have been worn at the Battle of Fort Griswold (or Groton) in 1781.

DescriptionTall, roughly triangular grenadier cap; front of red wool with embroidery in light brown yarn consisting of eight-pointed star surrounded by stanchions superimposed with serpentine branches, and inscription "AUT VINCE AUT MORI"; reverse with three panels of blue wool with linen piping above a red wool band embroidered with a grenade at center and a crossed sword and musket on either side; small pompon attached to point of cap; linen lining.

MarkingsEmbroidered at top of front: "AUT VINCE AUT MORI"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM

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