Authentic repro CS kepi?

[HumanSVD]

Who makes an authentic repro Kepi? And what should I look for? I was told most repros add a brass adjuster buckle and that isn't accurate.

Looking for just collecting for now but if I decide to get into reenacting later, I'd like to use it at a later date and not have to buy a new one.

Any advice?

 

[jepridgen]

Research…look at pictures and real ones if available and compare to the reproductions you are consider. Also, look on reputable, quality maker websites or Facebook pages. You can tell the difference between the generic kepis that aren't quite right and the good reproductions. Generally, the more extra stuff on a kepi, the less likely it's a good copy. Check out Goober Grabber and Carolina Cap Company on Facebook or Dirty Billy's on line. The first two have a little more variety as they don't hold a lot of inventory and focus on more custom stuff. There are a few more out there, but I'm drawing a blank right this second.

 

[captaindrew]

By far the best in the business is Greg Starbuck, you can find him on Facebook at Kepination. Dirty Billy makes a good one. I really like Gobber Grabber's (find him on Facebook as well) slouch hats, I have a couple of them, but as far as kepis/caps I prefer the other two first, but his products are very good.

 

[HumanSVD]

By far the best in the business is Greg Starbuck, you can find him on Facebook at Kepination. Dirty Billy makes a good one. I really like Gobber Grabber's (find him on Facebook as well) slouch hats, I have a couple of them, but as far as kepis/caps I prefer the other two first, but his products are very good.

Found all of them. I'll just save up for a quality repro. Seems like hats are the one thing you can't cut corners on.

 

[captaindrew]

Found all of them. I'll just save up for a quality repro. Seems like hats are the one thing you can't cut corners on.

You are absolutely right, a bad hat stands out like a sore thumb. Plus a good quality product will last a lot longer and save you in the long run. That really goes for all parts of your kit but a good hat is a great place to start when upgrading your kit.

 

[bayonet]

Research…look at pictures and real ones if available and compare to the reproductions you are consider. Also, look on reputable, quality maker websites or Facebook pages. You can tell the difference between the generic kepis that aren't quite right and the good reproductions. Generally, the more extra stuff on a kepi, the less likely it's a good copy. Check out Goober Grabber and Carolina Cap Company on Facebook or Dirty Billy's on line. The first two have a little more variety as they don't hold a lot of inventory and focus on more custom stuff. There are a few more out there, but I'm drawing a blank right this second.

Wow Dirty Billys is still around. Going back over 30 years ago he was the best back then hands down. I stopped the hobby when I hit 50, running around in full wool in 100 degree heat not good.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

Wow Dirty Billys is still around. Going back over 30 years ago he was the best back then hands down. I stopped the hobby when I hit 50, running around in full wool in 100 degree heat not good.

Have to be careful with him though....not all his offerings are up to snuff now. He has a "Budget line."

 

[bayonet]

Have to be careful with him though....not all his offerings are up to snuff now. He has a "Budget line."

What he didn't pass down the trade? Someone brought the Company and lowered the products standards? Times get hard these days so have to watch the "Budget"? Standards dropping all around in the last 10 plus years.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

What he didn't pass down the trade? Someone brought the Company and lowered the products standards? Times get hard these days so have to watch the "Budget"? Standards dropping all around in the last 10 plus years.

He has two lines. He added a line for the general public who just want a cheap cool hat, vs the ones he makes for reenactors and those who want customs. The hats aren't bad, they just aren't meant to be historically accurate. You'll know by the price. If it's under $100 it's a budget hat.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

He has two lines. He added a line for the general public who just want a cheap cool hat, vs the ones he makes for reenactors and those who want customs. The hats aren't bad, they just aren't meant to be historically accurate. You'll know by the price. If it's under $100 it's a budget hat.

Well I'm sure his budget line is still better than most offerings in that range. I recently bought a very nice low beehive from him and I'm very happy with it. Think it was around $170.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

That's not a budget. It's from his normal line which is still very good.

 

[scooter748driver]

I ran across this site. I think the repro's are cool looking, but my concern would be someone buying one then trying to pass it off as real. Any possibility of that? Well, not to mention their prices are super high

American civil war hats kepis, Bummers and caps 1861 to 1865

American Civil War Kepis, Hats, Bummers and Caps and headwear from the USA Civil War 1861 to 1865

www.warhats.com

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

That's not a budget. It's from his normal line which is still very good.

I know it isn't. To be quite honest I didn't see anything cheap but then again I was also looking for something specific.

 

[Biscoitos]

Found all of them. I'll just save up for a quality repro. Seems like hats are the one thing you can't cut corners on.

Unless its a tricorner hst.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

Honestly I HAVE been noticing sub $100 kepis at places have gotten pretty decent. Mine is from Rum Creek, I only paid like $80, and it's not bad at all. The shape is pretty close, and the brim has the right length and shape to it as well. It's no DB or Starbuck, but it looks decent enough for the price. Only reason I don't wear it is because I prefer a slouch hat.

 

[Trooper "D"]

Who makes an authentic repro Kepi? And what should I look for? I was told most repros add a brass adjuster buckle and that isn't accurate.

Looking for just collecting for now but if I decide to get into reenacting later, I'd like to use it at a later date and not have to buy a new one.

Any advice?

C&C Sutlery offers caps of discount quality and and also one's of top shelf grade for a bit more money. Even the top shelf ones are reasonably priced. I bought a bargain grade McDowell Forage Cap a few years ago and I like it just fine.
Cheers!