Original British Victorian Crimean War Era 56th Regiment Forage Cap in Tin named to G.W. TRIGGS Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Here we have a very nice Victorian short brim forage cap, dating from the Crimean War era. The front of the cap bears a large wreathed 56 over POMPADOURS, the nickname of the 56th (the West Essex) Regiment of Foot. It is contained in a very nice steel cap tin, named to G. W. TRIGGS on a large bronze name plate attached to the top.

The cap itself is the typical ornate late Victorian style, and is said to be heavily “gimped”, or adorned in embroidered wire thread designs. “Gimp” wire is quite thick and used mostly for jewelry, so this is much more likely a “French Wire” embroidered band around the entire circumference of the cap. The interior of the cap does not have any maker mark, but is marked 46 / 34 on the top. It looks like the original liner or sweatband has been completely lost, with just some stitching around the edge showing where it used to be attached. The cap definitely shows wear and age, along with some mothing on the crown.

The cap tin is in very good shape and well, with a black painted exterior, and copper and lacquer lined interior. The tin measures approximately 10 1/2 inches in diameter, with a height of 6 inches. The tin opens and closes correctly, with a latch that still holds. Overall condition is very good, with wear commensurate with age.

This really is a very nice set, which would be at home in any Victorian Era collection. Ready to research and display!

The 56th Regiment During the Crimean War:
The regiment was mainly involved with the Siege of Sevastopol, located on the Southern tip of Crimea. It has been besieged since October 1854, and the 56th Arrived August 25th 1855 to reinforce the besieging Allied forces. Sevastopol fell on September 11th, and the regiment was awarded the battle honor “Sevastopol” for its contributions.