Mexican Border War Bring Back Question

[otter42]

I had read somewhere about Sombreros were brought back as souvenirs.  But many didn't survive, I thought I read it on this forum, but can't locate anything about them. I have surfed the net too. Thanks for any help.

[otter42]

Anyone read about these as bring backs? Thanks 

[iron bender]

 I'd never heard of this until I saw the one at Bay State Militaria for sale. I'm quite certain there's a sombrero expert out there that can confirm these are from a certain era. Personally I never thought I'd hear, in my entire life, the words 'captured' and 'sombrero' in the same sentence.

[otter42]

🤣, agreed, pretty unusual trophy to bring home, and hard to pack! I'm sure a lot never made it back intact. Thanks for your thoughts. Ken 

[Dragoon]

I have one that was brought back from the Border. I have seen only a few over the years, of those that come to mind most were part of groupings., equally I have seen a few that claimed to be from the 1916 Border period but I thought questionable.

Troops on the Border are sometimes seen wearing a sombrero for fun in photos, it is therefore not too far fetched to imagine some were brought home, particularly given how many troops were sent to the Border. Keep in mind they are not all straw so can survive quite well, although the better quality straw examples survive well.

 

I have had a few from different periods, one from the French intervention in the 1860's that was a bring back souvenir.

[otter42]

Thank you Dragoon for sharing you knowledge.  Would you post some examples? Would really enjoy seeing them. Ken

[otter42]

This is the one listed on Bay State Militaria that Iron Bender referenced. 

 

 

 

[otter42]

[Rakkasan187]

The Fort Bliss museum has some Punitive Expedition bring back trophies (so to speak). No sombreros, we do have some leather items, Mexican Spurs, some captured weapons (Mauser, pistol, and Winchester repeating rifle and some others. We have a large assortment of Punitive Expedition and Border related items from Soldiers stationed here on the Border from 1916-1920 time period. Pennants, Medals, uniform groupings, photos etc.

 

We have General John Pershing's Riding Crop (one of them) which is featured in several images, one of his Staff Cars that was reportedly used by Lt George S. Patton (Still conducting research) and a few other odds and ends. 

 

Leigh 

[Dragoon]

Below are a few examples, they date to earlier than 1916 but they would still have been worn, some I still have others have been sold on. Of course the more elaborate the more expensive when it was made, everyday (there are nice elaborate straw examples) less expensive straw examples would have been more common. 

I have also attached a photo from an Ohio NG photo album in my collection, the soldier is wearing both a serape and what is referred to as a deep dish sombrero, I have seen a good few other photos over the years of US troops wearing a sombrero in camp or dressing as a Mexican, I have not had a chance to dig through all my files.

My theory is unsubstantiated but I wonder if more were souvenirs for NG troops sent to the Border, some regiments like the 13th cavalry who had been on the Border for years a sombrero probably had less appeal. Although one of the nicest examples I recall with great provenance was part of a 7th cavalry grouping sold by Advance Guard Militaria a good few years back.

 

[otter42]

Thank very much for the examples. Appreciate your time, both Leigh and Dragoon

[KurtA]

Sounds like a good way to market any ‘ol vintage Sambrero -   “Captured on the Mexican Border!”   
Might also help to ink-in the original owner’s initials -  “P V” would be a good choice to further enhance the price.  

[ludwigh1980]

The last series of heavy fur felt sombreros shown where typical worn by wealthy Mexican ranchers though during the revolution you might have seen a commoner wear them. They are typically heavy and of a fantastic quality with bullion embroidery. Not too long ago, an exceptional example might bring $2000-$3000. Items with direct attribution to the Mexican Revolution (or one of them; revolutions that is) are rare and highly sought after. Advance Guard Militaria had an exceptional Cavalry Uniform and bring back group that had one or two sombreros as well as other items. I think it can be found among their archived items. That would give you pretty good idea of what a documented examples should look like. 

[ludwigh1980]

https://www.advanceguardmilitaria.com/ItemDetailRD/V42396/Punitive_Expedition_7th_Cavalry_NCO's_Uniform_&_Captured_Villist_Sombrero

 

[aefcav]

This is a great thread, I am another Cav collector who has an appreciation for these hats but very little written that I have found for the collector. In the last 30 years I have seen a dozen examples on vintage Sombreros, I have one with a big federal eagle on the front which I will post pics at when I get time this weekend, It came with a cav grouping

[Allan H.]

As militaria collectors, I'm sure that there have been or will be a few people who think "That sounds like a cool souvenir to find for my collection," and one MIGHT luck into finding a vintage sombrero that might be affordable. The reality though is that these sombreros are highly desired by western collectors who like to chronicle the "old west" both how it was and as Hollywood portrayed it to be. My gut feeling is that these collectors would generally far outpace the prices offered by militaria collectors.

 

We see similar price differences with the vintage clothing market. Many things that military collectors turned their noses at have a much greater value with the vintage community. One great example is the M1965 field jacket in OD poplin. For decades, collectors didn't buy them because, how many jackets do you need? On the vintage side of the fence, they were and still are highly prized for wear as a fashion items. This is the case for US Navy peacoats and now, more and more, Vietnam era fatigue shirts. Of course navy denim has been highly prized for vintage wear for decades. Finding a pair of dungarees from WWII will cost a fortune if you're trying to buy them on eBay,

 

Allan

[manayunkman]

Back in 1990 I was at a yardsale in PA of a WW2 vet whose dad served on the border and brought back some souvenirs one of which was a sombrero.

 

But in my infinite wisdom I left it behind but did buy a beautiful saddle all made of black and white horse hair.

 

 

 

[aefcav]

Manay, that sounds like an awesome saddle!

 

[manayunkman]

The rumor was is that it was made by a local tribe.

 

I don’t have it anymore.