Dirk Posted February 27, 2021 Share #1 Posted February 27, 2021 “American Gunboats in Central China are a painful local joke...I think she is something you chaps inherited from Spain....” a line uttered by Mr. Outscout from the Movie “The Sand Pebbles” when describing ex-Spanish gunboats in American service. So what do we have here? The well worn ship’s tally reads USS Elcano. The USS Elcano was originally a 620 ton Spanish Gunboat captured during the Battle Manila Bay and recommissioned into our Navy in 1902. Soon after commissioning she left for Yangtze Patrol duty where she spent the rest of her career until decommissioned in 1928. Per Wikipedia only out of commission between 1907-10. Not sure of the era for this cap. The lining appears custom, with two bright multi-colored silk tassels. There is embellished stitching on the Tally. As shown below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share #2 Posted February 27, 2021 Details of stitching on the tally Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Queen Posted March 7, 2021 Share #3 Posted March 7, 2021 That is a very cool, historical piece Dirk. Would the multi-colored silk tassels be indicative of something done in China? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Posted March 7, 2021 Author Share #4 Posted March 7, 2021 Thank you Eric! I am thinking that tassel is Chinese done....similar to materials and colors used on some of my Shanghai made uniforms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanemono Posted March 22, 2023 Share #5 Posted March 22, 2023 Wonderful cap! Thank you for posting it for us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchbuff Posted March 22, 2023 Share #6 Posted March 22, 2023 I've also seen multi-colored tassels on Italian made flat hats from sailors assigned there during WW1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now