Truly Superb Civil War Period Confederate Artillery Officer’s Red Kepi

Truly Superb Civil War Period Confederate Artillery Officer’s Red Kepi

02-19579

 A splendid example of a Confederate Civil War Artillery Officer’s kepi made of red wool broadcloth. There is a dark blue band of similar cloth & weave at the base of the crown.

The kepi measures 6 1/2″ from the lower rear edge to the top of the crown, including the roll. It measures 3 5/8″ from the lower front edge to the crown, including the roll. The dark blue band is 1″ wide tapering to 1 1/8″ at the rear seam. The diameter of the crown is 4 3/4″, excluding the roll. There is 1/4″ gold bullion trim covering the seam between the red & blue wool, as well as adorning the front, rear & sides of the kepi rising from the band to the crown. The outside of the crown is trimmed in 1/4″ gold bullion tape.

Pasteboard is used for a backing on the cap band and is also possibly used as a stiffener in the crown. The visor is made of tarred linen with a tarred linen sewn binding at the edge. The 1/2″ chinstrap also appears to be stiff tarred linen with no buckle, but 2 slide adjustments. The chinstrap attaches to the band with 2 cuff-sized eagle general service buttons. The inside of the crown is also lined with the same tarred linen material. The sweatband is tarred linen, but much thinner than seen in the crown & visor. The lining is a wonderful folky cotton material showing an underlying plaid pattern utilizing tan, yellow, brown & light blue.

This kepi is one of the finest Confederate Artillery kepis we have seen and every aspect of this kepi sings Dixie. Not only is the kepi visually attractive & impactful, its historic significance cannot be understated.