Boxer Rebellion Era Marine

[Dirk]

Finally, was able to do a display of a Boxer Rebellion era Marine Legation Guard. The star vented Field Hat is attributed to a Marine who served in the Philippines from 1900 until spring 1902. Although this man’s company was sent to China during the rebellion, he and a small detachment remained to man a outpost in the Philippines. Given the wear these hats could take, and tests the Marines did on these stateside…assume he had one for about 6 months before he would have drawn a fresh one from supply. He left in April-May 1902. Given he did recruiting duty for a few months following his returning stateside (where one would not be needed), and the sweat/salt stained liner, this hat was probably used in the PI toward the end of his Far East cruise. This is a star vented hat vice a no vent or snow flake vented hat. The jury is still out imho on what the correct Marine version of the field hat was before 1902. Photos show Marines in the Far East wearing a variety of field hats. In addition, there  are some subtle differences though between placement of the EGA in the front of the hat vice the right side which is where the majority of the Legation Guard Marines wore their EGAs.  Although regulations of 1900 mandate the EGA to be worn in the front, lack enforcement is shown by photographs where the EGA is worn in the front, right side, or not at all. I believe the brass dress EGA with prongs was worn vice silver epaulet versions pulled from the shoulder boards.  The p-1892 jacket was issued to a Marine who served in China toward the end of the Boxer Rebellion. The Winchester Lee is serial numbered to the Navy’s first contract for this rifle. The bayonet is marked with a Navy’s inspected mark in this case a triangle with a T in side of it. Suspenders and belt are markers marked Orndorff on a zinc disk. 

[Dirk]

The only Marines equipped like this were the 54 Legation Guard Marine detachment, who arrived wearing their blue service uniforms and in heavy marching order. Initially, dressed in the combination shown, this is how they looked in May and early June as they patrolled the legation grounds and conducted their first skirmishes. However heat, and wear and tear on their uniforms caused them to discard their jackets. As their blue chambray shirts and wool trousers wore out, the women hiding within the  Legation Quarter replaced their garments with hand sewn shirts and pants. The Marines who comprised the reliving force, following the battle for Tientsin dressed in all khaki and carried Krag rifles vice the 6mm Winchester Lees. 

 

Lastly, a big thank you to a fellow forum member to allowed me to be the next caretaker of much of what is shown here. 

 

[Alec]

Looking great, you need some trousers!

 

[ludwigh1980]

Superb display. Very nice. 

[Brig]

On 5/14/2022 at 2:57 PM, Dirk said:

Given the wear these hats could take, and tests the Marines did on these stateside…assume he had one for about 6 months before he would have drawn a fresh one from supply. 

 

Fun fact: This is still the wear-out period on campaign covers before supply will allow you to do a 1:1 swap

 

As usual, Dirk, phenomenal items with great history behind them and shared with us!

[manayunkman]

Very nice display and informative discussion.

 

Man I love that hat!

 

 

[warguy]

Sorry it took so long Dirk, just a top shelf beautiful display of some very hard to find material. Thanks for sharing it with us, now I’ll go wipe the drool off my screen. 

[Blacksmith]

Good grief is that fantastic.  Thank you Dirk.

[Eric Queen]

Just awesome. What an incredible display. You know I love the subject matter also.....😎

[Dirk]

Thanks guys! I know several of you are very interested in studying Marine activities during the uprising….so I am glad you enjoyed seeing this one!

[kanemono]

Great display Dirk. It is amazing that you were able to find the hat! Thanks for sharing.

[Sgt Saunders]

Fantastic display! I really like that Lee Navy. US Boxer Rebellion militaria is just so rare. 

Thanks for bring it all together and sharing.

Bravo!