Wartime vs Post-War Private Purchase Kepis

[CyleKostello]

Hi all,

Branching out a bit. I'm feeling a bit more confident with standard issue forage caps but kepis are still a challenge.

What should I be looking for to determine date (mid/late/post-war) on private purchase kepis?

Of course there's the obvious things like the presence of crossed rifles or a gold braid chinstrap. Couple other points I've heard from other collectors include: black polished cotton lining and black leather disc in the crown.

For example: what is the rough age of the cap in the photos below? (not in my collection, not looking to purchase. Just came across while researching). The infantry horn dates it to NLT 1872 but is there any way to narrow down the date further? Apologies for the poor photo

If anyone has a digital copy of the NST article Michael Cunningham wrote about kepis a long time ago I would greatly appreciate a scan. I'd be happy to pay for a subscription but it doesn't seem like they offer a digital option.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Package4]

all,

Branching out a bit. I'm feeling a bit more confident with standard issue forage caps but kepis are still a challenge.

What should I be looking for to determine date (mid/late/post-war) on private purchase kepis?

Of course there's the obvious things like the presence of crossed rifles or a gold braid chinstrap. Couple other points I've heard from other collectors include: black polished cotton lining and black leather disc in the crown.

For example: what is the rough age of the cap in the photos below? (not in my collection, not looking to purchase. Just came across while researching). The infantry horn dates it to NLT 1872 but is there any way to narrow down the date further? Apologies for the poor photo

If anyone has a digital copy of the NST article Michael Cunningham wrote about kepis a long time ago I would greatly appreciate a scan. I'd be happy to pay for a subscription but it doesn't seem like they offer a digital option.

Thanks in advance!!

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The good Dr is actually on the forum so @Dr.Mike would it be possible to send a digital copy of your wonderful article to @CyleKostello? I am very hesitant to scan copyright material. Your other avenue is to go on Ebay and find the issue or call NST and ask for a back issue Vol. 37 No. 3 2013. I have found it to be the best reference for Northern kepi dating and to date IMHO the best article yet written for NST. There is a copy currently on eBay, though rather steep, but not if you make a mistake on one purchase.....