Photograph, "Mail Cadet", Deck Cadet

ca. 1920s. Prior to the institution of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps in 1938, the Federal government-sponsored cadets to work aboard federally-subsidized vessels. This is a rare photograph of a cadet from this period.

There are some interesting uniform items of note. Although the U.S. Navy adopted the double-breasted blazer or reefer in 1919, cadets continued to wear the service coat that first appeared in the fleet in 1877 as late as 1923. The 1877 coat was single-breasted and tight-fitted with a fly front and standing collar.  The cap is of the distinct "complete cap" style; the U.S. Navy and merchant fleet as a whole began wearing this style of cap around 1922, having abandoned the kepi-like "Bell Crown" style of cap. 

The cap badge detailed in the photograph is an amazing detail - its wear continues to this day, albeit as medallions on present United States Merchant Marine Academy midshipman lapels.