Chief Petty Officer cap device 1893-1897

[Guest usailorwillis]

Just watched a device sell for 650, I tapped out at 450, really wanted it. Anyone have other places to look besides ebay? Also, there's a rating badge for sale now for 1,000 dollars. It's Apothecary, precursor to HM's.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291243272459?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[KurtA]

After learning about these a year or so ago on the Forum, I've kept a lookout for a misdescribed one on Ebay. Finally found one in a misc. lot of insignia on Ebay the other day and got it "right."

 

 

 

 

 

[Dave]

That's awesome Kurt! Congrats!!

[holdaas]

That's awesome, there are so many people looking for that device. Congrats!

[Justin B.]

That's a great find Kurt, good for you.

I found this photo online the other day, thought it may interest some. It's in the compartment with the compressed-air supply for the experimental "dynamite guns" on USS Vesuvius. The "chief" (first class PO, really) looks to be a machinist with seaman gunner mark:

 

[Dan360]

Good job on finding one miss labeled!! I recently scored a sew-on anchor with the metal loops on the back for $5.21 since it wasn't labeled either. I owned the button that sold last September. Snagged it at a collector show. I knew it was only a matter of time, someone has made replicas...http://www.ebay.com/itm/231486890555?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[holdaas]

I have a buddy that recently purchased this device, he has some concerns and thinks it's a fake. I told him that I'd post it here to get everyone's opinion, I know you guys are brutally honest.

 

I'll keep my opinion to myself, would like him to have your opinions.

 

If you need more pictures, let me know.

[holdaas]

Close-up

[holdaas]

The back.

[KurtA]

In comparing it to the others, it looks pretty good to me. I think it's just been repaired.

[carnut63]

Fortunate enough to pick this one up for a good price. Been looking for one for a long time.

 

[carnut63]

[Tim B]

Ben,

 

I would tend to agree with Kurt's assessment here. I could see these pins breaking off easily enough after bending back and forth a few times when the badge was removed from the cover for cleaning or other reasons.

 

It is interesting to note, that in the last nine months, I have now seen three of these badges with the broken/soldered pins. All look near identical in type of repair. Not sure if that means anything though. Last one sold for $500. !!

 

Tim

[holdaas]

I’m not here to show you guys a cap device this time; I need opinions on a cap that I just bought off of eBay. I only paid $20, and I have thick skin, so tell me what you think. Disregard the device that’s on it, could have been added anywhere; do you think this is the proper hat for the 1893-1897 device?

Ben

 

 

[holdaas]

More...

[holdaas]

One more...

 

I'd appreciate any feedback...I may be blinded by the potential here...

[Tim B]

Morning Ben,

 

Not a uniform or cap guy here but I think your cap has a good chance in being the correct period style. I might suggest also posting in the section that deals with caps and perhaps someone will know more.

 

With that said, I took the liberty of taking a couple examples off different Navy websites and you can compare. Note the first one is just an enlargement of what we've seen before. Note the chin strap does not have a buckle on the left side.

[Tim B]

Now, check this example out; the cap looks similar to your example and the chin strap does have the buckle on the left side.

 

Problem is, there just is not enough good examples or close up photographs showing the details. Hope that helps a bit.

 

Tim

[carnut63]

Ben,

I think your cap looks perfect. Good score.

[Guest MACS]

This is somewhat applicable to this topic, found this on the NHHC website and cropped it...I never see these on the market...

Beautiful collection brother!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stucky151]

On 8/22/2016 at 11:49 AM, Tim B said:

Now, check this example out; the cap looks similar to your example and the chin strap does have the buckle on the left side.

 

Problem is, there just is not enough good examples or close up photographs showing the details. Hope that helps a bit.

 

Tim

Here is the aforementioned cap that is currently in my possession. It is in pristine condition given its age and rarity. Ive attached some photos for posterity and to help the topic and research out before I sell it to parts unknown. 

[KurtA]

1 hour ago, stucky151 said:

Here is the aforementioned cap that is currently in my possession. It is in pristine condition given its age and rarity. Ive attached some photos for posterity and to help the topic and research out before I sell it to parts unknown. 

Great cap!