Original French WWI Model 1884 “Madder Red” 127th Regiment d’Infanterie Kepi – 127th Infantry Regiment Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic, rather scarce example of an early war M1884 French “Madder Red” Kepi. The front of the kepi has cloth numbers for the 127th Infantry Regiment who fell under command of the French 5th Army and were veterans of fiercely fought battles. During WWI, the 5th Army fought from 1914 to 1918 and participated in the following battles:

Battle of Charleroi
First Battle of Guise
First Battle of the Marne
Battle of the Two Morins
First Battle of the Aisne
Second Battle of the Aisne
Third Battle of the Aisne
Second Battle of the Marne
Fourth Battle of Champagne
Battles of the Meuse–Argonne
Battle of Saint-Thierry
Battle of the Serre

This unit had a rather extensive presence during the Great War and this Kepi reflects that faithful service! The kepi is a red topped soft kepi with a dark blue band and black leather rounded visor. The red top is trimmed with narrow dark blue piping to the crown and extends vertically from the quarters of the front, sides and rear of the cap. Sewn to the front on the dark blue band is a horizon blue rectangle with the numbers ‘127’ in blue cloth. There are two red painted brass air vents situated, one either side of the crown. At either side of the peak are attached black domed buttons intended for securing a chinstrap which is unfortunately missing. Inside the cap has a canvas like sweatband and features a black stiffened cloth insert to the crown.

The condition is quite nice considering the age and service it saw. There are scattered moth nips throughout as well as minor tearing and holes. The visor is still secured to the front of the Kepi, though there is crazing present and stitching loss.

A lovely example ready for further research and display.