Instructions/Pattern for Richmond Depot Kepi

Harmon Neef

Private
Joined
Apr 3, 2021
Does anybody have instructions/patterns or know where to get them for making a Richmond Depot Kepi?

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Failing that, could anybody give me dimensions from one?
 
Does anybody have instructions/patterns or know where to get them for making a Richmond Depot Kepi?

View attachment 413510
Failing that, could anybody give me dimensions from one?
There are fewer than 10 known, maybe a few more that we are unaware of, but no two are really alike, with the exception of the osnaburg lining, the tarcloth brim as pictured and English Army Cloth (wool). My avatar is of an RD artillery kepi from the Richmond Howitzers, in my collection.
 
There are fewer than 10 known, maybe a few more that we are unaware of, but no two are really alike, with the exception of the osnaburg lining, the tarcloth brim as pictured and English Army Cloth (wool). My avatar is of an RD artillery kepi from the Richmond Howitzers, in my collection.
This is probably asking a lot, but would you be able to take measurements off of it?
 
Does anybody have instructions/patterns or know where to get them for making a Richmond Depot Kepi?

View attachment 413510
Failing that, could anybody give me dimensions from one?
There are detailed dimensions of an original "Richmond" kepi with a diagram of its construction (similar to the description given previously above; pasteboard visor covered with painted cotton, etc.) in Michael R. Thomas' "A Confederate Sketchbook." (1981).

Some reasonably priced copies still available...

AmazonDryGoodswebsite: A Confederate Sketchbook

Or consider inter-library loan...
A confederate Sketchbook; WorldCat library site

here is the pattern for the US Marine Corps fatigue cap, 1859 (kepi) which might be modified to the dimensions given in Mr. Thomas' book above in making up...
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J. Marshall,
Hernando, FL
 
This is probably asking a lot, but would you be able to take measurements off of it?
I would recommend the sources given by @RedRover and if there are additional questions, I would be happy to assist. Getting a true pattern would be the most beneficial, keep in mind that the front dimension, from brim to crown is fairly low. The dimension is most likely a material savings feature, most ACW kepis have a fairly high front dimension 2-1/2 to 3".
 
Thank you all very much. I had seen the Confederate sketchbook but didn't know whether it would include such an item. Good to know about the height in front. My projected height was definitely too tall. I will keep you apprised with how the project continues. Right now I ran into some more snags with my attempts at oil cloth so that will need to be worked out first before I continue
 
Thank you all very much. I had seen the Confederate sketchbook but didn't know whether it would include such an item. Good to know about the height in front. My projected height was definitely too tall. I will keep you apprised with how the project continues. Right now I ran into some more snags with my attempts at oil cloth so that will need to be worked out first before I continue
For the visor, perhaps you can get pasteboard from art supply stores online (or perhaps make your own by laminating manila paper with glue). Then cover with plain weave cotton, and paint black. Then glue on the edging (also painted fabric), and stitch tightly... looks like perhaps a common leather type stitch (two needles on one thread...). Here is a closeup of Pvt. Royall's cap, which is the one described in the "Sketchbook."

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Royall cap; Am. CW Museum site...
 
For the visor, perhaps you can get pasteboard from art supply stores online (or perhaps make your own by laminating manila paper with glue). Then cover with plain weave cotton, and paint black. Then glue on the edging (also painted fabric), and stitch tightly... looks like perhaps a common leather type stitch (two needles on one thread...). Here is a closeup of Pvt. Royall's cap, which is the one described in the "Sketchbook."

View attachment 413913

Royall cap; Am. CW Museum site...
I don't know if this will help but I just acquired a kepi Richmond Guard co B belonging to a Captain Randolph Harrison 1st va. Infantry I can take measurements of what you need. Let me know. I would assume it would be close in size

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Excellent find! Hatmaking is a definite skill that requires a lot of hand dexterity. I took a class from a costumer, using buckram, and having control over your hand stitching is a must. Not sure I could do the same class now. Thanks for this thread and the ideas for making the bill/visor.
 

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