Kepi Question

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

Question-

What kepi did the 18th Virginia Inf. wear in the fall of 1864? I'm looking specifically for Company B, and also type of chinstrap buttons.

Greg Starbuck

PS- This is an April Fools, though sadly, this kind of question get asked all too often.

[Gallinipper]

Re: Kepi Question

Greg,

As a Danville native, I have researched this unit thoroughly. QM returns from the approximate time period you specified reveal that Company B was "issued 73 caps of Gray Mix color, also known locally as 'Pittsylvania Gray'". Apparently due to the shortage of leather and brass buttons, the chinstraps and bills of the caps were constructed of pressed tobacco leaves, with the chinstrap being stitched directly onto the cap. Harry Wooding, a veteran of Co. B and future Mayor of Danville, mentions these caps in his memoirs.

Hope this helps!

Rich Croxton

[MontReb]

Re: Kepi Question

OH MAN Greg... you gotta make that one!

[Gallinipper]

Re: Kepi Question

I agree Mark. How this one didn't end up in the April Fool's folder is beyond me..... gents have to read the fine print! :D

Rich Croxton

[Jimmayo]

Re: Kepi Question

These caps didn't last long especially if the owner liked a chew now and then.

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

Re: Kepi Question

I remember reading that this unit's caps had a little pocket sewn in the lining to hold their french envelopes.

Greg Starbuck