Boer War Canadian Stetson-Named

Hi guys,
Really happy to add this named stetson to my collection. In fact it is double named, R Tobin on the inside of the sweatband and F Jacques on the inside of the cap itself. Both men served with the 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles and had the same previous military history.
Interesting that other names of men they served with have been written on the brim.
The cap badge is not official for the stetson as far as I know but I've found a picture with several different badges attached in various locations to CMR units in the Boer war. The badge has certainly been on the cap for a long time as it has taken on the form of the cap.
I have done the research and have Jacques service file and Tobins.

Hi Jeff.....

So it finally arrived EH!!!!!..... Fantastic Stetson...... The badge is correct and yes is worn in different locations on the hat..... The most common place I have seen is a couple of holes in the cap band but to me that would be uncomfortable to wear I would think......

I have seen the inside of a BW Jacket to the Strathcona's that has the signatures and names of all the members of his troop...... This is similar to the names on the brim of the Stetson......

The thing that surprises me is 2 Stetsons show up in one year when I have not seen any in ages...... Two different units of course.....

Well Done Jeff......

Mike

Hi Jeff.......

Found this picture of Lieut. Robert Gilmore Edward Leckie.....

Mike

Hi Mike,
Yes it finally arrived! I am very happy to finally have it in hand. Thanks for your input Mike before the purchase...I found it difficult to find information, much appreciated!
The pic below I find very interesting as it shows several different badges in different spots on the stetson. I'm going to see if the seller can provide me with some more information about how the cap was obtained for interest sake.

This is the link to the original pic, it is much larger and you can zoom in. The fella in the front row, second from the left looks to have a shoulder title on his stetson. Front row other end there is a fellow wearing the same general service badge as mine in the same location.  Also interesting to note the variation in hat bands.....the picture is titled 2nd CMR prior to departure for the Boer War, would this amount of variation be allowed prior to departure. I kinda thought it was on return from the war when rules were relaxed a little.
Also curious if anyone can tell me what medallion they are wearing on their left chest?
http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/2nd-canadian-mounted-rifles-prior-to-departure-for-boer-war

Hi Jeff......

It is odd that this photo is in Vancouver Archives because the picture was taken in Toronto......

The medal that they are wearing on the right hand side is the City of Toronto Welcome Home Medal......

This shows up on our favorite auction site both named and un-named..... Note that the named ones were the actual medals issued to the troops coming home where the un-named ones were sold to the general public......

Mike

I was right! lol, I am learning....miss Id'd picture on the archive.
Thats more great information..I've yet to delve through all the threads here to continue my eduction. I've got some more reading to do.
Fred also served in WWI.



He has been identified by the seller as being the 2nd man from the left...I've asked how he knows this as I don't see anything on the four photos included with the stetson to confirm this.



Thanks Mike for the link to the thread on the Toronto Welcome Home Medal....
www.angloboerwar.com/forum/20-tribute-me...me-home-medals#21687

This is all new to me, I've never delved into the Boer War era before.....I feel another area of interest coming on..

Hi Jeff.....

You will have a great time going through all the threads....... It is a great site for anyone interested in the Boer War......

That same photo is in the Glenbow Archives as well but is unidentified as well..... Without being fully identified it is practically impossible to tell.....

One of the photos that I have in my collection though un-named is described in a letter from the Trooper to his mother so I guess I can positively identify him.

http://www.angloboerwar.com/forum/5-medals-and-awards/9970-pte-g-h-doherty-lord-strathcona-s-horse#20470

Mike

Jeff, that is the Stetson you were adding to the collection? Nice to see a photo of it. But I have to ask... what the heck is wrong with you?? Why would you spend good money on a used hat like this that has defaced with all that writing??

For those of you who don't know me that well, I am just busting Jeff's balls. He knows I love this stetson and I feel the additional signatures etc add greatly to the value, both historically and financially to this lovely item.

These are way outside my collecting field, and certainly I could not give it the place it deserves. I think you have done very well for yourself on this latest acquisition my friend.

nice hat Jeff, have seen two up close recently and very interesting to see it with the badge and with the labels, one I saw had press studs to raise the brim at the side,

Glad to see it arrived. Outside my collecting field but a very nice hat. Cheers Brian

Jonhno wrote:nice hat Jeff, have seen two up close recently and very interesting to see it with the badge and with the labels, one I saw had press studs to raise the brim at the side,

Hi John,
The press stud stetson.....any chance of some pics?

Fred Jacques service file.....not much info in here but it is what it is...

And his WWI Attestation papers....his file is not available at the moment due to the digitization project.

jholl72 wrote:

Jonhno wrote:nice hat Jeff, have seen two up close recently and very interesting to see it with the badge and with the labels, one I saw had press studs to raise the brim at the side,

Hi John,
The press stud stetson.....any chance of some pics?

Never seen a Stetson with a press stud on the side to raise the brim...... As stated photos would be great.......

Mike

Nice hat! I have recently been offered a huge lot to a royal marine light infantry man... this lot consists of many many uniforms, swagger stick, photo, some Victorian era uniform bits and such. I am having a really tough time doing the research on this and cant find anything on the value of the boer war era pieces??? anyone have any idea on the price of boer war era uniforms?? I have only taken a very quick glance at the items, I do recall many red coats, think most of those are just pre ww1 (kings crown buttons) and some white uniforms. One item I remember in particular was an item that looked like a cape (white) and had royal marine light infantry buttons on it with the Victorian crown. after looking through many photos of the royal marine light infantry, I cant seem to find out what this cape is or who could have used it. All the items belonged to a man with the last name parrot, Couldn't find anything online about this guy, I am unsure if he was british or candian as I said before I only took a quick glance at the collection. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Beau

My uncle has/had a Steston very similar to that one. Named much like yours, and with men that he served with. I wonder if thats the same hat. He's located in Eastern Ontario

Due to a sudden and unexpected change in employment status, Ive got to let this Stetson go. Im asking $3000 CDN plus shipping at cost.

Bit of a follow up, This Stetson was the one owned by a family member. Ive seen it in person many times. Its a great piece!

I just sold 2 differant types of Boer War stetsons, one named, not as nice condtion as the one shown, one was named and neither ever hat a badge on it, but they were correct.

Got $1500 US for the pair!!!

Dean O
Ajax