Kepi - Forage Hat

[Jim in Wisconsin]

What is the difference between these? Just curious.

 

[RaggedAssSecond]

A kepi is a form of forage cap. A kepi is shorter in height with more of a cylindrical shape. Where the standard forage cap was taller and more shapeless with a flat top. The Model 1858 forage cap was commonly referred to as a bummers cap.

Enlisted Man's Forage Cap, Model 1858

Physical DescriptionModel 1858 forage cap, navy wool with black leather visor and chin strap, with gold-colored buttons.General HistoryThe forage cap was…

americanhistory.si.edu

 

[captaindrew]

Different style, kepi left, forage cap right

 

[Trooper "D"]

Different style, kepi left, forage cap right View attachment 568269

They are both Army caps or Soldier's caps. Forage cap was used but Kepi' is just French for cap. How many soldiers knew French? Chasseaur's cap is the style of the Butternut one. Army cap is so much easier to pronounce.
The classic Foreign Legion cap is called a Kepi. Kepi' is just the generic French term for cap
Cheers!

 

[Jim in Wisconsin]

So the forage cap has a more crescent shaped bill and a steep angled flat top, and a kepi has a more squared-off bill with a more horizontal flat top?
Were these differences done on purpose and the caps issued for specific reasons, or just because the cap companies didn't all make them the same?
Why would it matter - it seems like most soldiers wouldn't notice or care much.

 

[Mint Julep]

So the forage cap has a more crescent shaped bill and a steep angled flat top, and a kepi has a more squared-off bill with a more horizontal flat top?
Were these differences done on purpose and the caps issued for specific reasons, or just because the cap companies didn't all make them the same?
Why would it matter - it seems like most soldiers wouldn't notice or care much.

The crescent-shaped bill is commonly found on the McDowell-style cap, while the forage cap, also known as the Bummer's cap, typically features a straight bill. While there can be variations, this is the general distinction I observe. The kepis in my collection also have straight bills.

 

[Salterr]

In addition to the already mentioned differences. The forage cap has also had two designations by collectors. Type 1 and 2. Their body shapes are different

 

[Mississippian1861]

So the forage cap has a more crescent shaped bill and a steep angled flat top, and a kepi has a more squared-off bill with a more horizontal flat top?
Were these differences done on purpose and the caps issued for specific reasons, or just because the cap companies didn't all make them the same?
Why would it matter - it seems like most soldiers wouldn't notice or care much.

There were numerous minor contractor variations, not to mention the private purchase options available to the soldier for both forage caps and kepis.

 

[FrankN]

This page gives a good description of the differences between type I and type II.

What are the differences between the issue caps?

Frank

 

[Jim in Wisconsin]

Thanks for the information
- I have a repro kepi that I bought from Dixie Gun Works - it's a well made cap and I wear it for everyday just because I like it. Sort of too warm for hot summer days though.
A guy in a grocery store once seriously said "thanks for your service". I don't know if he thought it was a current army cap or if he thought I was 175 years old!

 

[Mint Julep]

This page gives a good description of the differences between type I and type II.

What are the differences between the issue caps?

Frank

Interesting drawing which reminds me of the variations of at least two distinct chin strap buckles.

 

[Package4]

What is the difference between these? Just curious.

The kepi was generally a private purchase piece, though some states did issue them, but to my knowledge the US Army did not issue kepis. The CS Army did issue kepis.

The kepi had a lower profile, recessed disk or crown and many times a bound brim, while most forage caps had an unbound leather brim.

 

[Trooper "D"]

So the forage cap has a more crescent shaped bill and a steep angled flat top, and a kepi has a more squared-off bill with a more horizontal flat top?
Were these differences done on purpose and the caps issued for specific reasons, or just because the cap companies didn't all make them the same?
Why would it matter - it seems like most soldiers wouldn't notice or care much.

The forage cap is a soft version of the shako.