Caps with crossed rifles...

[BTWhite61]

Early insignia worn by officers in the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters bore gold and silver wire embroidered crossed rifles with the figures US and SS above and below them. This original example was worn by Capt. George Starr Tuckerman of Co. D (NY) 1st U.S.S.S. and I found another nearly identical badge in a tail pocket of a frock worn by Capt. Andrew Stuart, Co. B (MI) 2nd U.S.S.S. while studying the coat several years ago. Photographic evidence shows that the insignia must not have lasted very long in the field since I have yet to see one on an officer's cap in any photograph taken after March, 1862 when the regiments departed Washington.

Here is an image from my U.S. Sharpshooters collection showing the badge in action. This is an unidentified captain although based on his age, rank, and physical appearance I've narrowed down an ID to five possible men.

Here's a clearer view of the badge as worn by Henry D. Tyler, a Brooklyn clerk and shooting enthusiast who was promised the captaincy of Co. H (NY) 1st U.S.S.S., but had the position rescinded after he only managed to recruit five men. Tyler soured on pursuing another commission and returned to civilian life as a clerk. Two others were also promised captaincy of Co. H, one of whom accepted a position as 2nd Lt. instead, while the other became Captain of Co. H and later Major of the regiment. Image courtesy of Richard Carlile.

 

[MC44]

To clarify, I was referring to these gems.
View attachment 63800 View attachment 63801

I had those when I was a little kid and did my own battles in the backyard with my brother....

 

[rosmia2]

Technically, what is most often referred to as a "bugle" cap device is in fact a hunting horn.

 

[mofederal]

I always liked the Pecan Log at Stuckey's. The last Stuckey's building around here they tore down last month. There are still a few Stuckey's left in existence, under that name also.

 

[7thWisconsin]

I think I used to have that "sword" in the second photo, actually!

I had SEVERAL of those swords because the blade isn't very sturdy. I hollowed out the hilt and replaced the plastic blade with a dowel painted silver. It was not only sturdier, but a lot more useful in neighborhood rumbles.
People think of rifles and fighting. They think of bugles and music. I have heard tourists say things like "I want crossed swords on my hat because bugles are for the band members."

 

[zburkett]

Just re-watched "Red Badge of Courage". Crossed rifles. Of course that was just after WW II and every American knew what the crossed rifles stood for. I doubt that many would have recognized the bugle.

 

[7thWisconsin]

I love that movie but the costumes and props are not accurate at all.

 

[sjw83071]

To clarify, I was referring to these gems.

My first kepi!

 

[major bill]

Movies are not intended to be historically accurate. One should never use movies to study uniforms.

 

[sjw83071]

Movies are not intended to be historically accurate. One should never use movies to study uniforms.

This may be the ultimate proof that you are correct.
from Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies (then again, this movie "may" be fictional)

 

[James N.]

I always liked the Pecan Log at Stuckey's. The last Stuckey's building around here they tore down last month. There are still a few Stuckey's left in existence, under that name also.

Mercifully, the one that notoriously stood across the intersection from the Peach Orchard at Gettysburg disappeared long ago, sometime in the 1970's!

 

[James N.]

Technically, what is most often referred to as a "bugle" cap device is in fact a hunting horn.

The traditional European cor d'chasse was a typical symbol for light infantry. (As opposed to line infantry or grenadiers.)

 

[Ole Miss]

Crossed Muskets! never Rifles! A veteran of the Big Red 1 explained that to me back in the 1980's.
Regards
David

 

[major bill]

Crossed Muskets! never Rifles! A veteran of the Big Red 1 explained that to me back in the 1980's.
Regards
David

Well not entirely true. Crossed bold action rifles insignia were used for a while during the World War One period.

 

[Ole Miss]

Major Bill
The elderly veteran that corrected my using the term crossed rifles must not have known about their use during WW I. He rather sternly informed me that I did not have the sense God gave a goose and I rather suspect it was not a compliment, but I could have been wrong.
Regards
David
PS Thank you for the information