Confederate kepi lining?

[cjc]

Hello, I saw a video on YouTube about a guys Confederate kit, and his kepi was kind of odd compared to the rest of the kepis I have seen. The lining in it had some sort of draw string. Does anybody know what this kind of lining is called? I would like to do some more research on this. The cap itself if anybody is interested, was made of ben tarts YELLER DOG jean, had coin buttons (they look like sunburst buttons to me, but he called them "coin". The lining was of a red check cotton, and had what appeared to be the normal lining, but over it had some sort of "bowl" of cotton with a drawstring in the middle, supposedly to tighten the cap or make it ride higher on the person head.


Caleb Courtney

[Jimmayo]

Re: Confederate kepi lining?

Confederate kepis come in all sorts of material, linings and construction of brims. Don't ever remember seeing one with the drawstring lining but I haven't seen all that many. I have a few on this page

http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/csequip.html

but no inside views. The CS volume of Arms & Equipment of the Confederacy has a variety of kepis displayed but no inside views. Don't get the lining confused with the sweat band. They are of different material. Coin buttons are just plain flat buttons. Buttons on CS kepis can be a variety of buttons depending on what was available. You might have some luck doing an online search for Confederate Kepis for ones that are for sale. Most sites will have a picture of the inside of the cap. Good Luck!

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Confederate kepi lining?

Its called a bag liner (modern term, not contemporary) - it is a carryover from pre-war military hats and caps, particularly shakos. I believe the original intent was to be able to tighten the drawstring to fit the crown of the head better. Although not as common in Civil War kepis, some makers still did a lining in this manner as seen in some originals.

[cjc]

Re: Confederate kepi lining?

Ok. Thank you very much.

[LtCol0802]

Re: Confederate kepi lining?

Yes, there are period examples with a sort of drawstring liner. Very common for caps made in New Orleans. The inside cardboard crown is usually tarred. Most that I have personally examined are silk or polished cotton. I don't believe the purpose is for fit of the cap. It's easier to make the cap with this sort of lining.