Description
Fresh from an estate sale, this is one of the most pure examples of the Indian Wars era US cavalry caps I have seen in decades. No parts are missing, repaired or replaced. The original insignia is that of the 3rd US Cavalry, Company C. The square cut brim indicates manufacture from 1872 until around 1884.
The regiment has a history in the United States Army that dates back to 19 May 1846, when it was constituted in the Regular Army as the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. This unit was reorganized at the start of the American Civil War as the 3rd U.S. Cavalry Regiment on 3 August 1861.
Under various names it has seen action during eleven major conflicts: the Indian Wars, the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, World War I, World War II, the Persian Gulf War, SFOR in Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedoms Sentinel, and most recently Operation Inherent Resolve.
Twenty-three of the regiment’s troopers received the Medal of Honor, all awarded for gallantry in action between 1871 and 1898. The list includes William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, whose award was rescinded in 1916 for not being a member of the military. Cody’s medal was reinstated in 1989.
| Active | 1846–present |
|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Nickname(s) | Brave Rifles |
| Motto(s) | Blood and Steel |
| Engagements |
