Civil war Kepi's and Forage caps (1 Viewer)

[Kaap]

Often in civil war writings I stumble upon 2 names for the diffirent caps that were used in the ACW. Kepi's, more often called Mclellan Kepi and Forage Caps.

Is there anybody, perhaps UKreb, that can explain me the visual diffirences between kepi's and forage caps, perhaps with a picture.

 

[Scott]

Often in civil war writings I stumble upon 2 names for the diffirent caps that were used in the ACW. Kepi's, more often called Mclellan Kepi and Forage Caps.

Is there anybody, perhaps UKreb, that can explain me the visual diffirences between kepi's and forage caps, perhaps with a picture.

The "kepi" had a recessed top and was smaller in height and More formed like the French model from which it was copied. The McClellen was close to this. The US Marines wore a version of a "kepi."

The US issue forage cap 1858 model tended to have a stiffened flat top and more material so that as it sat on the head it tilted to the sides or front. The McDowell was like like the forage cap but with a down turned rounded visor. The Bummer is a nic name for the stiffened flat topped forage cap. This is NOT to be confused with the earlier "wheel cap" from the 1830s-50s.

Your milage may vary with varied designs and period nic names for these caps which were ALL considered "forage caps" as opposed to "dress hats." See the "Black Hats" of the Iron Brigade.

Search the names and "google" will help you out.

 

[Kaap]

Google wasn't a great help. I'm not a native english speaker so some of the descriptions are somewhat vague for me. Am I right if I state that the regular Mclellan kepi can be considered as the low profile kepi while the forage cap is the somewhat higher kepi that mostly leaned forward?

As for the "Black Hats", I hope to soon purchase a Hardee Hat with infantry marks

 

[Scott]

Please try this wiki link. When I get home this PM I'll try to post some clear pictures. Fun subject! I wear the 1858 model myself.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepi#North_American_usage

 

[Scott]

It's not the Smithsonian but.....

Dirty Billy (I've met him and have one of his caps) has a selection of Kepi/forage cap styles for sale. His caps are well researched and you can clearly see the various types...

http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/

Go to...

"19th and Early 20th Century"

Go to...

"American Civil War"

Scroll down...

 

[Kaap]

The information on that site has helped me understand the diffirences now, thanks a lot!

 

[Scott]

U bent van harte welkom meneer.