French Army Saint Cyr Officer Kepi

Saint Cyr Officer Kepi

The kepi is the flat-topped, peaked cap that has been the signature headwear of the French Army for generations, and this one is a genuine French Army officer's kepi associated with Saint Cyr, France's military academy for officer training. It pairs a deep red crown with a sky blue band, gold braid and a black patent visor. Collectors of French militaria and reenactors who want issued headwear rather than a costume piece are the ones who seek it out.

Features

• Red Crown — The flat top is covered in deep red cloth and edged with a ring of gold cord.
• Gold Knot Embroidery — A looped gold braid design, often called the Hungarian knot, crosses the crown in four curling arms, a traditional mark of French officer kepis.
• Sky Blue Band — The tall sides of the cap are a pale sky blue cloth that contrasts sharply with the red top.
• Gold Braided Trim — A woven gold braid runs around the top edge of the band, with thin gold cord piping rising vertically at the quarters.
• Flaming Grenade Badge — An embroidered gold grenade with a rising flame sits on the front of the band, a long-standing French Army insignia.
• Gold Chin Strap — A flat gold strap crosses the base of the band and is held at each side by a small gold button.
• Black Patent Visor — The short, angled peak has a glossy black finish with stitched edging.
• Genuine French Issue — This is authentic French Army headwear, not a costume or theatrical piece.

Original French Pattern

The kepi is made from a cotton, polyester and nylon construction, built in the stiff, upright form that gives the French kepi its distinct profile. The red, sky blue and gold color scheme, the knotted crown braid and the grenade badge follow the formal dress style of French officer headwear. It suits a uniform display, a reenactment kit or a collection of European military caps.