Surgeon's cap, United Kingdom, 1890-1930
This leather cap was part of Charles Health’s uniform as surgeon to the Orient Steam Navigation Company - also known as the Orient Line. The company had its origins in the 1790s, but came to the fore in the 1800s before being absorbed by today’s P & O shipping company in the twentieth century. It was initially a postal service, and also ferried emigrants to Australia, before the ‘cruise’ idea caught on among wealthy Victorians. In the 1890s, a voyage from London to Bombay took 12½ days and cost £55 first class. The appropriately named Health dealt with any medical emergency. These included accidents to crew and passengers, tropical fevers, and childbirths. His cap with company insignia on the front is pictured with his black double-breasted jacket (A635910 Pt 1). Both were made by tailor E. J. Monnery and Son, who specialised in outfits and furniture for cruise crew and passengers.
Object number:
A635910 Pt5
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: uniform
Identifying garments or styles of dress worn by the members of a given profession, organization, or rank.
Glossary: costume
No description.
Glossary: cap - headgear
Brimless head covering, usually made with a visor.