Uncover! Question of etiquette pertaining to hats

[advanceguard]

I am wondering what the proper etiquette was for men ( soldiers and civilians alike) about wearing their caps indoors. Was it proper for a soldier to remove his cap when entering a building?

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Uncover! Question of etiquette pertaining to hats

Under arms? Private dwelling? Public assembly place? It varies. Images show hats on in public indoor spaces (train depots, informal restaurants, soldiers refreshment saloons, the Sanitary Fair, etc.) and certainly when passing through such places while under arms. On leave, though, with your weapon and accoutrements stored with the unit, and going to visit someone's home, you'd probably take it off.

[Pennvolunteer]

Re: Uncover! Question of etiquette pertaining to hats

Kautz only addresses it briefly and in a specific instance, however, I personally think we can use this to extend the generally accepted custom that you remain covered when under arms, and when entering most buildings without arms you remove your hat.
"54. When a soldier enters an officer’s quarters armed, he simply makes the required salute, and does not take off his cap; but without arms, or with side-arms only, he takes off his cap and stands in the position of a soldier, and delivers his message or communicates what he came for in as few words as possible and to the point."

[FlatLandFed]

Re: Uncover! Question of etiquette pertaining to hats

A good reminder. We have an honor guard escorting Fritz Klein (aka Honest Abe) in federal uniform Saturday during our community's Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration. Those men probably should wear their hats/caps with their uniforms (as they will be "semi" under arms with accoutrements but no weapons to be accouterred to -- it's a public school) but others of us in uniform will be conversing with the public, giving directions to the displays (Lowe's balloon exhibit and "Intrepid" movie) and whatnot and so will go sans headgear.
Ever forward,
Paul Hadley
Lincoln, Neb.