An ongoing study of the uniforms and equipment of the Army of Spain during the late colonial period and the Spanish American War
1868 - 1898.
Rayadillo is the name given to the distinctive blue and white stripped fabric used to make the uniforms worn by Spanish colonial soldiers before and during the Spanish-American War of 1898.
The most recent additions...
New Page: A Rayadillo Tunic of Questionable Origin
New Page: Knapsack Flags
The study and collecting of Spanish Army relics and souvenirs from the Spanish American War is my passion. This project had its beginning as a display with a printed guide describing the artifacts at the TMCA militaria collector's show in Franklin, Tennessee a few years ago. My hope is that this website will eventually develop into a reference book that will, for the first time in the English language, accurately detail the uniforms, insignia and accoutrements of the Spanish colonial forces that opposed the United States during the Spanish American War of 1898. The study will focus on original artifacts and period photographs from the three major colonies of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Period regulations and first hand sources will also be presented. If you have information you would like to share related to this project please contact me, Bill Combs, at :
(¿Usted no habla inglés? ¡Ningún problema! Mi español es pobre pero si usted me escribe, entenderé lo que usted está intentando decirme.)
Remember, this is a work in progress. More information and new topics will be added often. Click the links below and enjoy your visit.
THE PROJECT'S NEWSLETTER: THE TROPICAL TELEGRAPH A new edition of the newsletter coming soon!
THE "¡LOS RAYADILLOS!" DISPLAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
UNIFORMS - INSIGNIA - EQUIPMENT Updated 5/26/08 NEW! Model 1886 Infantry equipment.
WEAPONS Bayonet Page Opening SOON! Mauser, Rolling Block and Peabody; Modelo 1843 Machetes to be added soon!
PERIOD IMAGES PHOTO GALLERY Updated 1/21/07 New images to be added soon!
IDENTIFY THESE ARTIFACTS, PLEASE Updated 12/20/08 New inquiry posted! - Cuban made buttons.
WANTS LIST OR HOW TO MAKE BILL ONE HAPPY SOLDADO Posted 12/24/06
¡LOS ENEMIGOS! A FEW CUBAN, FILIPINO & US ITEMS JUST FOR FUN NEW! - Filipino uniforms, insignia and equipment
This website was designed, built, and is maintained by Bill Combs.
Since September 16, 2009.
Thousands before then.
All material is Copyright 2006 by William K. Combs. No portion may be used without permission.