2340

CIVIL WAR OFFICER'S DECORATED KEPI MADE BY JAMES

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 3,500.00 USD
CIVIL WAR OFFICER'S DECORATED KEPI MADE BY JAMES
CIVIL WAR OFFICER'S DECORATED KEPI MADE BY JAMES S. SMITH, NEW YORK. A foot officer, most likely a captain, would have used this great kepi. The front rises 2-1/4", the rear seam is 6", and crown is 4-3/4" in diameter. The kepi is made of dark blue wool broad cloth. The exterior of the kepi is decorated with 1/8" wide black woven braid, of which there are 2 strands at the base and 2 strands rising at the front, the back, and on either side. On the crown and within in a circle made of a single strand of braid are 2 strands of black braid intertwined to form a quatrefoil. Mounted on the front of the kepi is its orig officer's insignia, consisting of a gold bullion embroidered wreath of laurel leaves and silver embroidered old English "U.S." within. The visor is of tarred leather with stitched edge binding. The underneath is of tooled green leather. Two US staff eagle buttons are mounted on either side. Leather covered reinforcing wire is present from the bottom of the back of the hat to the top of the crown. The interior lining has been replaced with black nylon mesh, containing remnants of the orig black silk lining. Remains of the orig label are present on the underside of the crown, having 2 standing soldiers with "Jas. S. Smith/564 Broadway/ and/ 15 Dutch St/N.Y". Bazelon & McGuinn show these addresses listed concurrently for the period March-July 1864. There is a 1-1/2" wide brown leather sweatband. Letter of authentication by Jim Frasca, noted Confederate uniform authority, accompanies this lot. CONDITION: Good. This officer's kepi has seen heavy use. Exterior is faded. Edges are worn. Braid decoration on the front has frayed away. Orig officer's insignia is loose. Visor is heavily crackled. Chinstrap is missing. Remnants of the interior remain. There has been an attempt to conserve them. Sweatband is tattered and broken, but nearly complete. 4-56122 CW19 (3,000-3,500)