French Foreign Legion Hats

[rankfilm]

Hi all

I'm reading a book that has French Foreign Legion soldiers in and it's started me researching the uniform early 1900s

I am stumped regarding their headwear. I can find similar Kepi hats when googling - all are predominantly dark blue, leather band with red felt trim.

But the hats I have come across range from ww2 to virtually modern day.

The only difference I can see is brass buttons or silver buttons

Does anyone know if there's a way to determine if they're pre 1900, ww1 ww2, 50s etc...

The hats I've found are largely made by Piere Huard & Co

Thanks in advance

[wardog]

Quick look on 'wiki' says the kepi became taller and stiffer in the 1930s. Regards, Paul. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepi#F...#8211;_history
http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l800...65840300_1.jpg

Post 32 in this Great War Forum thread shows a Kepi that may be of interest. https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/...a-french-kepi/

[rankfilm]

Thanks. It looks like the one's I'm finding must be from 20s or 30s.

"The Foreign Legion resumed wearing it in 1926;[3] initially in red and blue and then in 1939 with white covers on all occasions"

Or have there covers missing.

Thanks again

[wardog]

Another link. http://www.bertrand-malvaux.com/fr/p...dele-1884.html
Looks like the model you are looking for is 1884- will have a cloth red grenade on the front and legion buttons. I get the impression it will cause quite a dent on a buyer's wallet if one should turn up. Cheers, Paul.

[rankfilm]

That's great, thanks for the help

Just out of interest, does anyone know why some of the Kepis have insignia on the front and some don't?

[monfort1]

Hi

Some answers here:

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualit...s-legionnaires