Difference between forage cap and kepi?

[SPrimeau]

Just wondering what the difference between the two are? The forage cap and kepi look alot alike to my eyes. Is there any real different characteristics pertaining to each headgear and did basically both sides of the conflict where both regardless of rank? Any insight appreciated.
thanks-
Scott Primeau

 

[bucsfan21]

Forage cap has the stiffen taken out and thus appears much fuller. Kepis were very sleek and stylish. They (kepi) orginiated from the French. But the common soldier changed the look of the kepi once he got in the field and customized them to his requirements. And both sides wore both the kepi and the forage cap. I am certain someone can provide more info and details, but I saw your post and tried to lend a hand,

Terry Martin
Atlanta Miniature Figure Society

 

[garyjd]

Scott, Notice the difference between the forage cap (photos 1 & 2) and the Kepi (photo 3)? The body of the forage cap is much more relaxed where the body of the kepi is tighter fitting to the head. They both have distinctive shapes.~Gary

 

[AJLaFleche]

Also, the forage cap, sometimes referred to as a bummer,

is much deeper, perhaps 2-3 times deeper,
than the kepi.

It was known as a forage cap because its wearers could use it to, you guessed it, forage for food. Held upside down, it looks almost like a feed bag for a horse.
Here's a link to a sutler who has examples from both sides of the war: Fall Creek Sutlery

 

[garyjd]

Originally posted by AJLaFleche@Jun 5 2006, 07:32 PM
Here's a link to a sutler who has examples from both sides of the war: Fall Creek Sutlery

Though there are some top notch makers of modern reproductions (Fall Creek stuff is on the far LOWER end of the scale IMHO), I thought it best to illustrate the difference using originals as examples. Al's pictured examples also look like originals.

There were also a number of private purchase caps/kepi's bought by both officers and enlistedmen.~Gary

 

[SPrimeau]

Thanks Guys-
I guess from what I can see now the kepi was a more flatter hat- not as stiff. Whereas the Forage cap was taller. There really was no distinguishing characteristics with regards to brims, buttons, buckles and chin straps then - either version could have any combination of the above attachments? The only characteristic was the shape of the hat then really. Once again thanks guys, it's great to have the opportunity to browse and now use this forum and gain insight from some very knowledable people such as yourselves.
Scott

 

[AJLaFleche]

Originally posted by SPrimeau@Jun 5 2006, 11:20 PM
Thanks Guys-
I guess from what I can see now the kepi was a more flatter hat- not as stiff.  Whereas the Forage cap was taller.  Scott

When worn, the forage cap would collapse downward. It was not stiffened to stay up that way. The subjects in this Don Troiani print appear to be wearing forage caps as opposed to kepis.

While his interpretation of Chamberlain has him in a kepi.