RCJ,
The "Rhode Island" cap badge I got from S & S is very impressive, considering the low cost. It is embroidered with heavy metallic thread, possibly even fine wire, very similar to th type of embroidery I've seen on old Navy CPO and Officer's insignia It is a vertical anchor, fouled with a rope, similar to the current CPO cap badge, only without the silver "USN". The badge I have is embroidered on very dark navy blue, possibly black, cloth. It is darker than the Union blue wool uniform material. The crossed cannon badge is stamped brass, but the metal surface is fretted to appear like metallic embroidery. The cannons are bright brass, and the embroidery on the anchor has a darker, tarnished appearance, so I will have to doctor the brass to get both to equal "saltiness". I received the badges and hat yesterday, but have not got around to putting things together yet. I'm unsure about the hat - it is a 1902 Dress cap, sometimes referred to as a "bell crown"(tho not quite so much as the old 1830's syle shakos). It has a wire stiffener in the top of the crown and a grommet in the front, (for an emblem) and two on each side as ventilators. The cap is covered in a dark blue material, what appears to be a synthetic knit.(!) It has a curved patent-leather brim, with a bound edge. The only descriptions I've found for the MMB cap is "...caps with full round tops, with straight visors..." I might be able to make it work. I have yet to investigate its construction, so I may be able to replace the visor with one from one of several kepis I have around. I'll keep everyone posted!