Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fair example of an early Indian War Model 1872 U.S. Army Regulation Kepi worn by a Supply Officer. This U.S. Army Model 1872 Kepi features fabric of dark blue wool broadcloth which is extremely faded/oxidized to gray, with a painted leather visor, leather sweatband, with Brown polished cotton lining in the crown. The crown stands 2 3/4″ high at the front, 4 3/4″ at the rear seam and the top is 4 1/2″ in diameter. The body of the cap meets a band of wool seamed only at the back.
The front of the cap has a lovely bullion embroidered Officers’ S.D. Insignia. The insignia is a little difficult to decipher and may be “SV” and worn by a member of the Fraternal Organization “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War”.
As you can tell from the photos, this cap unfortunately spent many years unprotected and surrounded by insects that damaged the wool. There is extensive moth nips, visor detach, partial sweatband detach and a missing chinstrap as well as both side buttons.
Many dealers would sell this cap as an original Civil War era piece, as the early Indian War M-1872 Kepis are very similar to those made and issued during the American Civil War. This is a great cap, which shows signs of honest period wear, and unfortunately extensive mothing and visor detach.
Comes ready for further research and display.