3201 CIVIL WAR STATE MILITIA KEPI WITH SOUTHERN

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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 05 @ 14:06UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
PROVENANCE. This kepi was originally purchased from a North Carolina estate, and is quite similar to kepis known to have been worn by North Carolina officers during the Civil War. The body of the kepi is black wool with thin bullion tape around the circumference of the kepi, up the front & back, as well as both sides. The crown is bordered in the same bullion tape, and there is a single quatrefoil at the crown indicating the rank of Lieutenant. The rise of the crown in the front is 3", and the rear is 5 1/2". The kepi has a borderless leather visor that is sewn to the base of the hat. No chinstrap or side buttons remain. The interior of the hat shows a narrow leather sweatband in the front of the hat, but the rear 60% of the sweatband is missing. The kepi is lined with faded light blue, polished cotton with a sewn edge at the top. The crown is reinforced with leather. Kepis like this were popular before the war with most state militia units. The manufacturing techniques & materials utilized in this kepi, along with its discovery in North Carolina, tend to point to Southern manufacture & origination. CONDITION: kepi generally has moderate wear. Bullion is slightly detached in some areas. Moth damage is present, particularly at the edges. The visor is well-worn but complete & solidly attached to the kepi. Sweatband is partially present. Liner is complete but faded. (02-20115/BF). $3,000-5,000.