Historical Context
Editorially reviewedThe War Department’s 1902 uniform regulations describe the officer’s service-cap ornament as the coat of arms of the United States in gilt metal. The collection’s 1902–1918 range therefore refers to the early twentieth-century Army uniform pattern, while the heraldic design has an older national history.
Provenance: The adoption and placement are anchored to the 1902 Regulations for the Uniform of the Army of the United States. The Department of State’s account of the Great Seal supports the identification of the eagle’s shield, olive branch, arrows and E Pluribus Unum scroll, while the wording here distinguishes coat of arms, seal and cap device.
Research status: reviewed · reviewed 23/08/2026
Sources
2 referencesRegulations for the Uniform of the Army of the United States, 1902
United States War Department, Regulations for the Uniform of the Army of the United States (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902). (United States War Department)
Supports: Primary regulation for the officer service-cap ornament and its gilt United States coat-of-arms form.
The Great Seal of the United States
National Museum of American Diplomacy, “The Great Seal of the United States.” (National Museum of American Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State)
Supports: Explains the official heraldic elements and meanings of the eagle, shield, olive branch, arrows and motto.
How to cite this page
Great Seal Eagle Cap Device — United States Army, 1902–1918. Sanctum Hex Vault. Reviewed 23/08/2026. https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/historically-documented-military-symbols-and-insignia-rank-branch-unit-and-identification-devices-from-c-1700-1918-great-seal-eagle-cap-device-united-states-army-1902-1918
https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/historically-documented-military-symbols-and-insignia-rank-branch-unit-and-identification-devices-from-c-1700-1918-great-seal-eagle-cap-device-united-states-army-1902-1918Headgear Device
Great Seal Eagle Cap Device — United States Army, 1902–1918
The 1902 U.S. Army uniform regulations prescribed a gilt United States coat-of-arms device for officers’ service caps.
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