To delve into the full history of enlisted headwear and the entire life of the dress blue cap, I would need to write a multipart series of articles in order to give the hat its proper due (perhaps that will be a future project?). One item of the enlisted naval uniform that I have much to learn about is surrounding the dress blue cap, known by many as the “ Donald Duck Hat” or simply, the flat hat. Navy artifacts however I cannot consider myself to be an expert in these areas. The overwhelming focus of this site has been directed at naval artifacts and my collection is heavily weighted with U.S. I have written several articles (including considerable research for each) related to elements of uniforms from the first few decades of the last century ranging from rating badges, enlisted jumpers and head coverings and yet there is much that I am still discovering. On some rare occasions, an artifact that I would love to add to my collection is listed and flies beneath the radar of fellow collectors leaving me the opportunity and wherewithal to bring it home.

Navy Uniforms, especially those from the enlisted ranks, is increasing even if I am financially restrained from pursuing my most desired pieces when they surface onto the market. My affinity for early Twentieth Century U.S.

Navy uniform civil war?