Unidentified field service cap

[servicepub]

Looking for an identification of this cap. the label and buttons, as well as the construction, suggest approx 1900.

[FROGSMILE]

I know that you are an expert in this field. It certainly seems an unusual variation of the cap. I have had a look at the book listing the plethora of coloured field caps worn in the early 1940s and it does not appear there. My guess is that it is possibly connected with a Yeomanry regiment. It will be interesting to see what other forum members can come up with.

[servicepub]

It has been suggested that the red body and crown may identify the cap as being Corps of Military Police. Before I commit to this I would like to get some expert input from historians who may know this organization, and their dress, better than I.
Cheers,
Clive

[Waggoner]

Clive,

Are there any clues in the buttons? Have you been able to find out when the vendor was in business?

All the best,

Gary

[trooper]

I have checked through the Yeomanry and the Indian army with no result. I note that the buttons on the front are neither photographed or described , such information miight help resolve the query. Trooper

[servicepub]

Buttons are standard general Service (Royal Coat of Arms) surmounted by a King's Crown. A web search indicates that Hobson and Son were at this location from approx 1900-1920. The quality of the cap suggests an OR notwithstanding that the firm was best known as an officer's outfitter.
Clive

[jf42]

Clive,
Have you been able to find out when the vendor was in business?

Firm website @ http://www.hobsonuniforms.co.uk/aboutus.htm reads:

"HOW DID WE START?
CELEBRATING OVER 150 YEARS OF QUALITY & SERVICE.

Over 150 years ago in 1850, Hobsons began their uniform business close to Woolwich Barracks, South London, England. Clothing and Regimental Regalia were made for all members of the armed forces using traditional tailoring and handcraft techniques. Hobsons business grew to such an extent that by 1860 five shops were open in and around the Woolwich area. Their expertise and reputation for quality was rapidly established among customers, particularly the locally based Royal Artillery.

Lexington Street London W.1 was acquired for Hobsons around 1880. Gold and Silver wire embroidery was produced here along with the weaving of lace. In the basement, the Leather Accoutrements department produced specialist goods of all descriptions.

By the turn of the century the new Hobsons factory and offices in Tooley St ( between London Bridge and Tower Bridge ) were in operation. Several hundred employees worked at making all garments and accessories required for the Guards uniforms.

In the 1930's Hobsons purchased a disused church hall with a plot of surrounding land at Thundersley, Essex with the long term plan of drawing all parts of the business together into one place - this would take another 60 years!

The Thundersley site saw the beginning of the "new Hobsons era". A high volume of tropical uniforms were manufactured for the war effort and initiated expanding business with many new export markets."

[FROGSMILE]

It has been suggested that the red body and crown may identify the cap as being Corps of Military Police. Before I commit to this I would like to get some expert input from historians who may know this organization, and their dress, better than I.
Cheers,
Clive

I don't think it is CRMP, I have never seen in images, or in person, any of them in head dress other than the SD cap with red cover and (much later) beret or red forage cap. It is often forgotten that CRMP did not take direct entry officers until the 1960s, so it is unlikely to be an officer's head dress either.

[trooper]

There is always the possibilty that it is a school cadet corps item. Trooper

[servicepub]

There is always the possibilty that it is a school cadet corps item. Trooper

Good point and one that I had not considered. The Canadian cadet FSC has a red crown and peak although the body (and flap) remain khaki.