FRENCH CAVALRY OFFICER'S KEPI From 1876 TO 1886  Made on Famous Fauberg Rue St. Honore by Augustin Donny Officers' ranks were shown by gold or silver braiding on the kepi. The different branches were distinguished by the colors of the cap. Cavalry normally wore shakos or plumed helmets, reserving red kepis with light or dark blue bands for wear in barracks. Credit Wikipedia  PRICE $975.00 plus shipping to 48 contiguous States $30.00 Dimensions 4 ¾” H x 7 ½” W x  9 3/4” D.                 Weight 12 ounces Presented is a well worn French officer's kepi with a red crown over a light blue band with gold trim and chin strap. There is a red reenforced tab at the top center that likely carried a plume or ball ornament which has gone missing. The non-adjustable chin strap is intact. The bill of the cap is rounded which helps date it to 1876 and later. The red crown over a light blue band designates the wearer as a cavalry officer and it was worn in lieu of a shako. The two top most bands of gold braid circling the hat designate a rank of lieutenant, but if the lower one is included in the count the rank would be that of a captain. The important bullion insignia on the front shows a series of staffs and pikes acting as staffs for flags and banners. Beneath them are two opposing cannons on single wheel carriages. The picture on the right above is of three French enlisted ranks wearing red top kepis in WW I. EXTERIOR CONDITION: The fabric is in very good condition with no tears or holes or fading with the top fabric of the hat darker in color. The gold trim and chin strap have darkened with age as would be expected. Stitching along the crown and elsewhere shows in places. The round leather visor of the hat has some loss of leather trim in three spots along the beak.        Three quarter, left and right side views of French officer' kepi INTERIOR CONDITION: The strong and unbroken visor’s bottom is black leather and has a few scratches. The 2" high hat band shows considerable wear with broken stitching. There is a small paper label marked 7 in red ink.  and there is one broken head strap. The interior construction has a straw 3" band that lays over the fabric with the leather headband laying on top. The headband has the name "Santos" written in pencil on the inside and is held on by stitching in only two places. The black silk liner is also missing its stitching. There are no other marks. There are no vent holes which helps date this cap to 1876 - 1886. Much of the red and blue fabric is soiled and this shows in the pictures.   Both sides of French officer's Kepi This is an authentic French military kepi that has survived through the ages in a condition that would be fairly easy to bring back to first rate condition.  It would then make an outstanding display or left, as is, it will make an excellent addition to any military headgear collection.      Front insignia and back of French officer's kepi       Inside of kepi showing black silk liner and lost maker's gold imprint         THE LABEL READS: Au Pavillon de Roman/ Augustin Donny/ 77 Frauberg, St. Honore 77/ Paris/ on four lines. Based on his location, Donny must have been one of the great military haberdashers of his time. Rue and Faubourg Saint Honore: The old Rue Neuve-Saint-Honoré was re-named Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore in 1702 when the village became an official suburb of Paris. From that time onwards many courtiers, financiers and developers built their magnificent mansions along the street. They transformed the ancient countryside into an affluent district. Many of these mansions are now listed as historic buildings. The Faubourg Saint Honore became an official district of Paris during the redefinition of the city limits in 1860 and was noted for its fine merchants. The Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore ends at the Place des Ternes in the 17th district. The Rue Saint-Honoré and Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore are today two of the most prestigious streets in Paris as they located in one of the most aristocratic areas of Paris. OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States if an error is due to our fault. SHIPPING & INSURED PACKING by FedEx Ground to the 48 contiguous States, $30.00  International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Hebrides, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, New Hebrides, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. Copyright 2015 by Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved.