Original Item: Only One Available. This is a small size, approximate 6 ⅝ regulation M1895 enlisted forage cap. This was the U.S. Army's first transition to a visor cap after leaving the traditional kepi design. Made of dark blue wool with enameled leather visor bound with patent leather, and a tarred leather chinstrap. Hat retains the original russet brown leather sweatband which is still solid but broken and partially detached. Inside the crown is lined with black silk and does not have a visible manufacturer label. There are gold gilt federal regulation eagle buttons to the sides with the 8th Cavalry Regiment, Squadron A crossed sabers affixed to the front.

Cap is in overall good condition, and comes ready to display in your Spanish American War collections!

At the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in 1898, the 8th Regimental Headquarters and six troops went by rail to Camp A. G. Forse, Alabama and sailed from Savannah, Georgia, for the island of Cuba for a four-year tour of duty to secure the peace. Their duties were varied and included protection of American citizens and their property.

1905–42
In 1905, the regiment was ordered to the Philippines with the assignment of suppressing the anti-colonial Moro Rebellion. In addition, they patrolled supply and communications lines and sources of water on the islands of Luzon and Jolo. The Regiment returned to the United States briefly in 1907, but in 1910, the 8th Cavalry Regiment returned to the Philippines for their second tour of Pacific duty. This time, the regiment once again fought against Moro rebels on the Filipino island of Mindanao and in the Sulu Archipelago. In the Battle of Bud Bagsak in June 1913, a total of 51 members of the 8th Cavalry's Troop "H" joined other U.S. Army soldiers in a violent battle with hundreds of Moro warriors on Jolo.

In September 1914, the regiment was stationed at Camp Stotsenburg, Philippine Islands and performed the usual garrison duties. On 21 September, it joined with the 7th Cavalry Regiment to form a provisional cavalry brigade.

Returning to the United States on 12 September 1915, the regiment was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, as part of the 15th Cavalry Division. Troops were dispatched along the border for the purpose of subduing the activity of Mexican bandits who were giving the ranchers a great deal of trouble. Responding to a border raid at Columbus, New Mexico, by Pancho Villa, an expedition led by John J. Pershing was launched into Mexico on 15 March 1916. First Lieutenant George Smith Patton, Jr. was one of Pershing's aides-de-camp. On 31 July 1916 a U.S. Customs officer and a private were killed and a sergeant wounded in a clash between the 8th Cavalry and Mexican bandits of whom five were killed.

On January 28, 1918, Troop G of the 8th Cavalry Regiment, along with Company B of the Texas Rangers and white ranchers perpetrated the Porvenir massacre, in which 15 Mexican-American men and boys were killed.

"On April 7, 1918; there was a skirmish with Mexican bandits. In Commanding at Fort Hancock during this time from Dec 2, 1917 to May 10, 1918, was Capt. Thomas Henry Rees, Jr."

On 13 September 1921, with the initiation of the National Defense Act, the 1st Cavalry Division was formally activated at Fort Bliss, Texas. The first unit of the 1st Cavalry Division, the 1st Cavalry Regiment, had been preassigned to the 1st Division on 20 August 1921, nearly a month before the formal divisional activation date. Upon formal activation, the 7th, 8th, and 10th Cavalry Regiments were assigned to the new division. It served as a horse cavalry regiment until 1942, when it took part in amphibious training.