Figure 1.--This family snapshot show two Brooklyn chums we think based on the mount in the 1900s. The boy in the sailor suit is wearing the saucer-style cap. This was a snapshot printed and developed by Frederick Loeser & Co. in Brooklyn. |
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We note saucer-style caps in the late-19th and early-20th century, primarily the 1890s and 1900s. We hope to work out a more precise chonology as we archive more portaits. The saucer caps were based on actual U.S. Navy uniform caps. Thus the chronology of the cap as boys' wear is somewhat different than that of U.S. Navy uniforms. We do not have precise dates yet, but it was the official enlisted cap from about 1860-1920. We are not sure how vigioisly enforced reglation headwear was until the 1890s. They are noy common in the photograohic record unil the 1890s, based on the photographic record. The images we see suggest that they were mostly worn by boys from families on commfortable circumstances. The sailor suit was popular for boys from a fairly wide range of social classes, somewhat less common for working-claass boys. But we only see the saucer caps being worn by boys who look to be from fairly comfortable circumstances. A good example is the Scott boys in the 1890s. Given the time span, we do not just have studio portarit, but some snapshots which provide more social information. The saucer cap like the broad-brimmed hat was not exactly made for boyish play, but we some see boys wearing them in play situations.
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