Bidspirit auction | Civil War Blue Union Kepi

Civil War Blue Union Kepi Hat - Civil War Blue Union Kepi Hat. Kepis were worn on the campaign and for fatigue duty. The design varied from a tight-fitting cap resembling the one adopted by the French in the 1840s to a tall floppy ”bummer's cap” described by the troops as resembling a feedbag. The leather peak could be stiff and rectangular or crescent shaped (known as the McDowell pattern). The hatband was sometimes a contrasting color to the normal blue: yellow for cavalry, red for artillery, or green for medics and soldiers belonging to the Irish Brigade. Officers' kepis might have black or gold braid to display their rank. Early in the war kepis were supplied with a waterproof cover. Other troops purchased a ”havelock” which, like the contemporary Foreign Legion cap had a neck flap to protect the wearer from the sun. The havelock was made of a grayish-blue cotton mesh and was not liked by the troops, who usually used them to filter tea or coffee. So their issue was discontinued in the later years. Dimensions: H 3.5 x W 10 x D 6 inches Condition: Good for age Provenance: Private Texas Collection