Cotton Jean Kepi?

[tnyankee]

Pards,
In my current research on Kepis I was struck with something that I had not considered before. In searching the forums and many books I can not find what I am looking for. Has anyone ever run across a reference to a kepi being made out of Cotton Jean or know of one in existence? In all possibility, I know it was feasible but I am looking for any hard facts documenting its use in Kepis. Thanks in advance!

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: Cotton Jean Kepi?

Tony,

I have an original SC kepi of mostly cotton jean in my collection. They existed. I don't have any pics to post at this time, but it may be in a reference book that I discussed with one of the country's experts on headwear. Also oiled cotton material was used for kepis too and one is currently for sale though one of the auction houses that deals in this manner of goods. Kiev Thomason of the Traveling Man's Emporium has studied them much more than I.

[tnyankee]

Re: Cotton Jean Kepi?

Thank you for the reply Matt, I would really love to see an image. I have viewed an oilcloth kepi before that seemed to be made out of a cotton jean material, but never one of just plain cotton jean. I look forward to doing more research on said item!

[Iceman]

Re: Cotton Jean Kepi?

In Echoes there's a white cotton jean kepi with a polished blue band. It's housed at the Gettysburg NPS museum (at least it was before the renovation). I'm attaching a photo of a cotton canvas cap. Not sure where I got this photo, but it came from an auction website. So, take it for what it is, if you want to put faith in a Civil War auction website or not.

[tnyankee]

Re: Cotton Jean Kepi?

Yeah, I know about the one in Echoes, but without viewing that one in person I'm not totally convinced it is cotton jean... if you look where it is frayed it looks too fuzzy of a material like wool would be. I don't know for sure.