Uniforms The rarely seen chapska (Polish cap).

[major bill]

The chapska a.k.a. tschapka, shapka, or schapska, which were the traditional square-topped Polish cap, was not common headwear during the Civil War. Perhaps the only know examples being worn are the pre War Polish Legion of New York and Company C, 31st New York Regiment which was formed partly from the pre War Polish Legion. It appears that Company C, 31st New York Regiment wore Polish uniforms as well. Their Polish uniforms were short lived and the company was soon wearing stand US Army uniforms.

To the best of my knowledge, Company C, 31st New York Regiment was the only unit to wear Polish uniforms during the Civil War.

 

[major bill]

I used this image in an older post.

There is some questions about how accurate the cap in this image is. The pre war Polish Legion and wore red chapska with a white base and it would seem likely that Company C, 31st New York Regiment may have worn their militia caps when they joined that three month regiment. There are only two photographs showing the chapska.

 

[DixieRifles]

I would like to see a real photo of the one worn by that American company.
The Polish soldier gained a reputation as a fighter and the chapska became a symbol of these troops up thru modern times.

 

[major bill]

I would like to see a real photo of the one worn by that American company.
The Polish soldier gained a reputation as a fighter and the chapska became a symbol of these troops up thru modern times.

I sent you something by Private Messages (the envelope on the task bar).