The Face of War

The museum has several unattributed uniforms. We sometimes do not know who wore the uniform. This uniform is especially unusual because even more about it remains a mystery. It is believed to be a Navy uniform from the Spanish American War of 1898. However, it fails to follow the standard uniform regulations of the time.

 

By the Spanish American War, pantaloons were replaced by the long bell bottom pants. The trousers had eleven buttons at the start of war, but thirteen was found to be more effective and so the regulations were changed. These pants feature eight buttons, pockets, and belt loops, which does not match any of these standards.

 

Additionally, all personnel were required to write their name on the inside of both pant legs, as well as inside their jumper two inches from the hem. Though time could have worn these markings away both items lack any identifiable markings like this.

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There could be a few reasons as to why these inconsistencies exist:

• During times of relative peace, the Navy experienced budget cuts that hindered formal regulation of uniforms.

• Before the standardization of uniforms in 1894, which preceded the Spanish American War, it was common practice for naval personnel to make their uniforms at home, so each uniform was different. This could be a uniform from this earlier period.

• It is possible that an emergent need for additional uniforms during the war required the Navy to make use of local materials to fashion inexpensive uniforms that could be quickly manufactured.

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Click here to read more about the uniform regulations of the time.