This Civil War uniform item of headgear is an original Federal cavalry officer’s chasseur-style’ kepi in excellent overall condition. Also called the “McClellan Cap”, this type cap, or kepi, was popular for both officers and enlistedmen. This handsome specimen is a rather plain but stylish piece of headgear complete with a fine, 2” wide x 1” high, embroidered gold bullion insignia of crossed sabers. Insignia is mounted on a small, 2” x 1” hand cut piece of black cloth backing and handstitched to the face of the crown. Saber blade edges point up with all stitching on insignia tight and strong with no pulling or fraying. This type insignia was regulation for officers of the cavalry branch during the war. Kepi’s original, dark blue indigo satinet cloth is in remarkable condition. Retains its original deep vibrant indigo color and exhibits just one small moth nip at the right side of the exterior headband and one tiny nip below the insignia. The cap’s smooth, flat crown (pasteboard disc) measures approximately 5” diameter and is covered with the same dark blue material and is free of any holes, nips or tears. Inner crown is stiff pasteboard covered with black oilcloth in excellent condition.

Kepi retains its fine dark brown, polished cotton inner lining complete with the elastic expander. But lining does show a 5” long separation above the right side of the leather sweatband. No maker’s label or marks are visible. The 1¼” high, brown leather sweatband is complete and bears what appears to be a partial, light inspector stamp of the US Quartermaster Dept on the inside of the band. Does show edge scuffing along the body seam and wear through at the front right corner edge. Else, strong and viable. Cloth body to head band stitching is tight and not frayed. The tarred, flat black leather visor is thick, unmarked, not cracked but strong with excellent original stitching visible. The narrow black leather chinstrap is in very good plus condition with both leather floating adjuster loops and the single brass adjuster also present. Sewn to the strap ends are two fine, original, brass, cuff size eagle ‘C’ buttons, also in very good condition.

Fine, original, Civil War ‘chasseur style’ kepis are quite popular, especially those of the cavalry branch. A handsome Civil War specimen, this cavalry kepi would make an excellent addition to any military headgear collection.

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