Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fair condition example of a late 19th century U.S. Model 1872 style kepi that was worn by a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The cap follows the Indian Wars era Chasseur-style military pattern and retains its original leather chinstrap secured by a pair of Sons of Union Veterans buttons.

The kepi is constructed from dark blue wool broadcloth with a painted leather visor. The interior retains a Moroccan leather sweatband and black polished cotton crown lining. The crown measures approximately 2 3/4 inches high at the front and 4 3/4 inches at the rear seam, with a top approximately 4 1/2 inches in diameter. The body meets a wool lower band seamed at the rear and internally stiffened with leather.

This example appears to date from approximately 1885-1890, when Civil War veterans' and hereditary organizations commonly adopted uniforms and insignia closely based on contemporary or earlier U.S. military styles.

The original black leather chinstrap remains present and is secured on each side by a Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War button, clearly establishing the cap's association with that organization.

There is no visible maker's marking. The leather sweatband, although now largely detached, retains its original size label:

7 1/4

Condition is fair and shows considerable age. The most significant issue is the sweatband, which retains only approximately 20 percent of its original stitching. It is currently substantially detached and would benefit from careful conservation or restitching to prevent further deterioration. The remainder of the cap shows the expected age and wear of a late 19th century uniform item.

The Model 1872 kepi represented a continuation of the Chasseur-style headgear worn by the U.S. Army during the Civil War era and into the Indian Wars period. Its distinctive sloping crown and compact profile remained influential well beyond regular Army service, and similar caps were adopted by veterans' organizations, hereditary societies, militia groups, and other uniformed organizations during the late 19th century.

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was organized by descendants of Union veterans and adopted military-style uniforms, insignia, and ceremonial traditions reflecting the service of their fathers and grandfathers. This kepi is a particularly attractive example of that tradition, combining an Indian Wars era military pattern with clearly identifiable Sons of Union Veterans buttons.

Approximate Dimensions:

Front Crown Height: 2 3/4 inches
Rear Crown Height: 4 3/4 inches
Top Diameter: 4 1/2 inches
Size: 7 1/4