Skaguay Military Company
Skaguay, Alaska
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| Captain Jefferson Randolph Smith |
A fantasy mix and match uniform Soapy Smith might have acquired to wear in "official" capacity in Skagway, Alaska had the Spanish-American War of 1898 lasted longer. Soapy had created a private militia with President McKinley's call for volunteers to fight the Spaniards in Cuba after the sinking of the U.S. Battleship Maine.
Soapy wanted to become a self-created military officer, and did so several times during his lifetime. Although Soapy offered his services, along with his numerous Skagway volunteers, it is guessed that his real reasons for the creation of the militia was to have a legal method of controlling the vigilantes in Skagway who vowed to get rid of him and his gang.
Soapy wanted to become a self-created military officer, and did so several times during his lifetime. Although Soapy offered his services, along with his numerous Skagway volunteers, it is guessed that his real reasons for the creation of the militia was to have a legal method of controlling the vigilantes in Skagway who vowed to get rid of him and his gang.
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| Captain Smith and some of his officers (Left to right) Soap Gang member John L. Bowers, Soapy Smith, Nate Pollack, W. H. Jackson |
Soapy's hat and jacket are Spanish-American War era U.S. cavalry pieces which I'm sure he could have obtained through his political connections in Washington D.C. The belt has a Civil War/Indian Wars officers buckle. The sword is of the Civil War era. The pants are fatigue tan with a vertical yellow-mustard strip on each side. Soapy carries a Colt Army double action revolver in an unmarked flap cover military style holster.
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| Side view closeup |
