Artist/Maker
Henry V. Allien & Co.
(American, 1852; ca. 1874)
Service cap
1914-1917
Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America
Wool, leather, metal, other textile
Overall: 5 x 11 x 10 1/4 in. ( 12.7 x 27.9 x 26 cm )
Gift of Major Sidney Gilder de Kay
1932.169a
According to the accession records, this cap was worn by the donor, Major Sidney Gilder de Kay, as a captain in the 12th Infantry Regiment, National Guard New York. de Kay saw active service as a major on the Mexican Border In 1916. In France, during World War I, he saw active service with the 106th U.S. Infantry of the 27th Division. He was wounded and gassed in the Meuse-Ar- Konne Offensive. While recovering from the gassing, he graduated from the Staff School and was appointed by Gen. John F. O'Rynn to his staff. After the war he became a lieutenant colonel in the Reserve. Various other parts of his uniform are also in the N-YHS Collection.
DescriptionBlue wool service cap with light blue ribbon band edged with gold metallic cloth tape, black patent leather visor, and chin strap made of gold metallic cloth tape applied to leather backing; embroidered insignia representing the state seal of New York; buttons securing chin strap also embossed with New York State seal.Markingsmaker's label: inside top of crown: "H. V. ALLIEN & Co / 734 BROADWAY / NEW YORK"
handwritten in ink: on paper label affixed to sweatband: "Capt. / De Kay"
ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM
