This book shows the United States army during the twilight of the Indian wars on the plains and the launch of their involvement on the world stage. Before the end of the 19th Century, American troops would have fought in the Philippines and Cuba and less than 20 years away from their participation in World War I.
The uniforms, while uniquely suited to the plains in campaign dress, were more like the standard European armies of the time. The spiked helmet, inspired by the German
Pickelhaube was introduced for Cavalry in 1872 for cavalry and in 1881 for infantry and by 1888 all the various branches were distinguished by different collar cuffs and trouser stripes. Ruhl not only shows all these uniforms but includes several pages of rank, branch and service badges along with weapons and headdresses.
The uniforms, while uniquely suited to the plains in campaign dress, were more like the standard European armies of the time. The spiked helmet, inspired by the German
Pickelhaube was introduced for Cavalry in 1872 for cavalry and in 1881 for infantry and by 1888 all the various branches were distinguished by different collar cuffs and trouser stripes. Ruhl not only shows all these uniforms but includes several pages of rank, branch and service badges along with weapons and headdresses.