More eBay whoppers

[CompanyWag]

Yes, I do scope eBay from time to time just to humor myself. Sometimes I find a gem, this isn't one of those times:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CIVIL-WAR-Era-KEPI-Hat-Mold-RARE_W0QQitemZ400032019413QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Men_s_Women_s_Accessories?hash=item400032019413&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

If the link doesn't work, try eBay aution #400032019413

Paul McKee

[Secesh]

Re: More eBay whoppers

Is that what it is!!! And here all this time I've had one turned upside down on my patio with a plant growing out of it!

[csabugler]

Re: More eBay whoppers

You oughta jump on that, it was $245 in the newspaper ad!!!!

[Carolann Schmitt]

Re: More eBay whoppers

To give the seller the benefit of the doubt:
- He may not know what he has.
- He may not have read the the label carefully.
- He has succumbed to the "anything marked Civil War sells" theory of marketing.
- I may be way off the mark.

However -
I think this is a millinery mold. Note the mark referenced in the clipping: "United Kepi Cap & Millinery" (emphasis mine).

Take the first and third photos and rotate them 90 degrees left and right respectively. That sure looks like a bonnet mold to me.

I've asked some historic milliners to take a look at the images. I'll let you know their comments. In the meantime, I think we're talking millinery, not hat-making.

Regards,

[Ian McWherter]

Re: More eBay whoppers

You're right on the money Carolann per usual, as soon as I looked at the images I said to myself, "That's a bonnet form!" And a nice one it is too, you kepi makers out there might try your hands at making bonnets for a change.:wink_smil

[CompanyWag]

Re: More eBay whoppers

Yes, I suspect you are correct with the milliner's form ID. The shape strikes me as reminiscent of a late 1840's coal-scoop bonnet. (Ladies, please correct me if you feel otherwise.) I also wonder when the word "kepi" first entered the American lexicon? 1850's?

Well a military "kepi mold" it most certainly is not. And yes, any time anything seems remotely Civil War, sellers see dollar $ign$. However, I will concede that in the right hands, this thing would have much value.

Paul McKee