Original Item: Only One Available. The kepi is a military-styled headdress with a cylindrical form, a flat circular top, and a visor. It was commonly worn by the French Army but was also adopted by various other countries, including America.

In 1852, the first proper model of the kepi had a square visor. This slightly oversized visor was referred to as bec de canard (duckbill). This model had no chinstrap, but later designs had chinstraps, smaller visors, and buttons, just like this example here.

By 1900, the kepi had become the standard headdress of most French army units. The kepis had different band colors, crown colors, braids, and logos for various units and ranks like the Hungarian knot on the top of the crown for the rank of Lieutenant.

During the Civil War, Gen. George B McClennan preferred the kepi due to its French look, so it was also often referred to as the McClellan cap.’ Another alternative name to the kepi was the ‘chasseur-style cap.’

The body of the cap is constructed of red wool known as Madder Red. The body of the kepi does have some rather extensive moth nips scattered throughout, some formed into holes while the others are more in the surface. The black band has the number 29 on the front in lovely gold bullion thread. The ‘29’ is for the 29th Line Infantry Regiment of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.

The interior of the kepi still retains a lovely black polished cotton skullcap lining and worn brown leather sweatband. The top rigid disc still has a very clear manufacturer marking in gold:

CAROULLE & HEBERT-BRICARD
G. DEBAS & E. BIDAL
SUCCESSEURS
3. RUE RICHELIEU-PARIS

A lovely example of an early French Kepi that comes more than ready for further research and display.