French Kepi

[douglas2496]

Hello, any info about this kepi would be appreciated. I have just bought it quiet cheaply. How old is it? Which branch of service?

Many thanks,

Douglas

[HARRY THE MOLE]

Have a look at mine which I posted the other day for comparison. Its in the WW1 allies section. I have my doubts about the originality of the chinstrap though.

[douglas2496]

Thanks for that, so you think WW1? You are quiet right about the chinstrap, there is a fragment of the original one still in place behind it.

[HARRY THE MOLE]

All I can say is that it is of similar construction to mine. I purchased mine from a trusted source - and having checked the design characteristics of the WW1 period Kepi's, I am happy that it is original. Perhaps the different braid on yours signifies the cap of an NCO.

[douglas2496]

Thank you.

Any other comments welcome.

[stuka f]

No good news; the kepi is a theater fantasy. made from a original piece.
A grenade should sit where the number 2 as been placed and the large silver /goldish band is not right either.
cheers
|<ris

[douglas2496]

Thanks for your help. That would mean that if I removed the band and found a grenade badge I could at least restore it. Do you have any pictures of how it should look?

[stuka f]

Need to search for that pic.
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[BobS]

Yes, indeed a mismash of parts, and not authentic. Typically, that thick row of braid, in gold, or silver, is for the Gendarmerie , who are militarized in wartime. But their kepis have a black body, with a sky blue crown, and a matching silver or gold false chinstrap.
The Garde Republicaine wear a Gendarmerie type kepi, with gold braiding & grenade badge. I had one for a lieut .col., but sold it.

BobS

[douglas2496]

Thank you, so what was this cap originally? Is it an artillery kepi? If so, could I not restore it by removing the braid and putting the correct badge on the front?