Indian Wars US Army Cavalry Officer's Kepi, 4th Cavalry with Maker Label

This is a United States Army 4th Cavalry officer's kepi used circa the Indian Wars. The 4th was led for a dozen years by Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie, whose first of many orders of business was to quell Comanche and Kiowa activity. W. B. Royall assumed command from the Captain Mackenzie in 1882 and a few years later the 4th took part in the capture of Geronimo. The kepi has a brass 4 insignia and crossed swords badge at front center, and a braided gold strap with eagle buttons. The inside is lined in woven cotton and has a leather liner. There is a hard-to-read Newark, New Jersey manufacturer tag inside.

Circa Indian Wars (1870s-1880s).

Approximate size 6-1/2 or 7 (no size tag); head opening is roughly 7-1/4" by 6-1/4".

Wool, cotton lining, leather, gilt brass.

Braided strap.

"? Bros. Newark, NJ (50)" maker label.

This is from a 19th century United States Army uniform and headgear collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MBEJX13 LEGEX3/14 SEJJ6/14

7- (Very Fine-): The kepi is in great overall shape with one or two tiny moth bites and some abrasions to the visor; liner and cloth are coming loose in one spot inside the front (please see photo).

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.