Product Overview
The Model 1862 Confederate Officer’s Kepi represents a distinctive evolution in Civil War uniform design, adopted by the Confederate Army during 1862. This second-pattern kepi was created to clearly identify both officer rank and branch of service, resulting in a visually striking but historically short-lived design.
Unlike earlier kepis, this pattern features the entire cap constructed in the color of the officer’s branch, traditionally red, yellow, or blue. Prominently displayed on the front is the gold Austrian braid, a defining symbol of officer status. The number of braid rows corresponds to rank, making this kepi an immediately recognizable marker of authority.
While impressive in appearance, these brightly colored officer kepis proved impractical for battlefield conditions. By late 1862, they were rarely worn in combat, as their visibility made officers easy targets. As a result, this style became more commonly associated with garrison duty, ceremonial wear, and higher-ranking officers, rather than front-line service.
A leather chin strap is included, reflecting the transition from an originally functional strap to a simpler, non-adjustable style as wartime realities set in. Today, the Model 1862 kepi remains an iconic representation of Confederate officer uniforms and is highly sought after for reenactment, living history, museum display, and private collections.
Product Specifications
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Product Name: Model 1862 Confederate Officer’s Kepi
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SKU: 201020
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Historical Period: American Civil War (1862 Pattern)
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Military Association: Confederate Army
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Style: Officer’s Kepi (Second Pattern)
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Braid Type: Gold Austrian braid
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Rank Identification: Number of braid rows indicates officer rank
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Chin Strap: Leather (non-adjustable style)
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Usage:
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Civil War reenactment
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Living history
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Ceremonial display
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Museum & collector use
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