Original U.S. WWI Named M1902 Artillery Officer’s Visor Cap with Direct Embroidered Bullion Eagle & Foliage - H.R. Fay

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice condition U.S. Army Artillery Officer's M1902 visor cap in very dark blue, intended to be worn by Officers for dress and parade occasions. This example is particularly well made, with the officer's front insignia FULLY HAND EMBROIDERED in gold and silver bullion. The red band around the cap indicates an officer of Artillery. Officer's caps were usually privately purchased, and this officer apparently had a lot to spend.

The cap features a patent leather covered visor with hand embroidered acorns & leaves. The brown leather sweatband is stitched to the body of the hat, and is in rough condition with what appear to be heavy dry rot. The sweatband is inscribed H.R. Fay, certainly the name of the officer who wore this, making for a great research project. The crown of the cap is lined with dark blue fabric, and is not maker-marked.

Someone reached out and gave us some research information on Fay:  "Herbert R. Fay served as an enlisted man in the Spanish American War, later served in the Coastal Artillery of the California National Guard. The highest rank he received was Lt. Colonel in the guard, then he enlisted in WWI with the rank of Major, which is the highest federal rank he held. The hat itself seems to be that of an officer ranking from Major to Colonel and not a General. Best regards, Earl L. Willoughby, Jr.

There is some heavy mothing on the exterior, especially in one spot on the edge of the crown and along the bottom edge. The front of the cap bears the correct gold U.S. Army Insignia, with a gold bullion adjustable chinstrap with two U.S. Army side buttons. The cap has the correct gold bands around the body for an officer, with an "Artillery Red" central band, the "Branch of Service" color for artillery. The hat is roughly a Size 7.
 
Comes ready for further research and display!