BACKGROUND: This issue kepi has the small diameter brass side chinstrap buttons which dates it to the 1920’s. Around 1930 the size of the buttons was increased to the larger style seen on other kepis. Prior to about 1960, the Foreign Legion kepi was a regular infantry kepi with a flaming bomb on the front like this. To achieve the world famous "white kepi" motif, a removable white top was simply put over the issue kepi. Around 1960, the Foreign Legion created a white kepi without a removable top for the first time for ceremonial wear. Also around 1930, the French kepi became stiffer, with more rigid sides for a more "martial" look.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A dark blue wool band measuring approximately 9cm high with a red wool crown and dark blue piping. A red, machine embroidered, seven flame grenade is sewn to the direct front. A black leather, adjustable chin strap is held in place by a pair of 1cm diameter brass buttons. The interior is lined in black rayon/silk with a black leather sweatband. The interior as various markings, including a size 57 mark. Included is a modern postcard showing this model in wear in the 1920’s by a Legionnaire in North Africa. This example is one of the last of the older "soft-sided" kepis with the more rumpled look. Scarce early FFL kepi. Of Note: As per vendor: "When I got this kepi, the white top was almost a light tan color with staining and dirt and had a very unpleasant smell. I cleaned it with Woolite and Amodex stain remover to make it presentable again the way the Legionnaire wore it. It may have residual phosphates (UV) in the fabric as a result."