Swiss infantryman's cap

This cap belonged to a soldier of the Swiss 78th Fusilier Battalion from around the time of the First World War, which I bought on the internet a few years ago. The reason why I developed an interest in Switzerland in the First World War was because my grandfather served in the Swiss Army during that conflict. In fact, he served in the 78th Fusilier Battalion - the same unit as this cap! So when I saw this cap for sale, I just had to buy it, because what were the chances that I would see another one from this unit for sale again in the future?

The official Swiss name for this type of hat is the 'Infanterie-Tschako Ord.1898'. As the name suggests, it was brought into use in 1898, and was worn by Swiss infantryman during most of the First World War. In 1918, the M1918 helmet was introduced, and many soldiers seem to have worn the helmet after that date, especially during the rest of the war.

Left: Men of my grandfather's battalion, mostly wearing their caps. He is in the front row, far right (ironically, not wearing his cap, although I am not suggesting my one belonged to him!).

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Left: Detail from a magazine cover, showing a soldier wearing the same cap. Here it seems to have a waterproof cover, but the cockade is still showing.

This image is taken from a magazine produced to commemorate the service of Swiss soldiers over the winter of 1914-1915.

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Left: front of the cap, showing (top to bottom) pompom on top of the cap, circular canton cockade, crossed rifles badge, and battalion number.

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Below: Illustrations from a military manual, showing (left) the significance of the colour of the cockade on the front of the cap, and (right) the colour of the pompom on top of the cap. As you can see, the solid green pompom on an infantryman's cap (as on the one I have) means that the soldier was serving in the 1st Company of his battalion.

Left: View from the back.

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Left: View of the inside, showing the adjustable inner.

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