Un-bound Kepi Brim?

[ironbrigade6]

Hello all,
To anyones knowledge were oilcoth kepi brims left un-bound? I know that most were bound, but I wasnt sure if anyone has ever come across any that weren't?
Thanks for all your help,

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Un-bound Kepi Brim?

Of the few originals I've viewed, I can't say that I've seen a single unbound brim. By their very nature, the brims were made out of layers of glued paperboard or fiberboard, and by not binding the edge, it would take no time at all for moisture, heat, etc. to get in and unravel the brim.

[CSchneider]

Re: Un-bound Kepi Brim?

There is a Confederate artillery kepi out there (it may be photographed in Echoes of Glory too, but I don't have it in front of me) that has a brim made of a piece of leather with pieces of painted cloth sewn to both the top and bottom. It is unbound. It's rather ugly. Only one I've ever seen like it. Like Ross said, a typical paper and oilcloth brim would get ragged pretty quickly without binding. Then again, there is also a C.S. kepi with South Carolina provenance with a brim made simply of painted paperboard...

-Craig Schneider

[PaulJ]

Re: Un-bound Kepi Brim?

There is a Confederate artillery kepi out there (it may be photographed in Echoes of Glory too, but I don't have it in front of me) that has a brim made of a piece of leather with pieces of painted cloth sewn to both the top and bottom. It is unbound. It's rather ugly. Only one I've ever seen like it. Like Ross said, a typical paper and oilcloth brim would get ragged pretty quickly without binding. Then again, there is also a C.S. kepi with South Carolina provenance with a brim made simply of painted paperboard...

-Craig Schneider

Hi, the artillery kepi Craig refers to is that of "Corp. Anthony Barksdale (1st Battalion VA light artillery)" (pg162 CS EOG). Incidentally, Greg Starbuck makes an excellent accurate copy of this kepi (proud owner!). Perhaps a PM to Greg might answer the question?

[CSchneider]

Re: Un-bound Kepi Brim?

Hi, the artillery kepi Craig refers to is that of "Corp. Anthony Barksdale (1st Battalion VA light artillery)" (pg162 CS EOG). Incidentally, Greg Starbuck makes an excellent accurate copy of this kepi (proud owner!). Perhaps a PM to Greg might answer the question?

Yup, that's it. I guess it is in EOG. After examining the cap a number of years ago I sent notes and photos to Greg to have a few copies made. He did an excellent job.

-Craig Schneider