This is a French Infantry Model 1884 kepi. The front features red embroidered 11th Regiment numbers on a dark blue backing. The numbers rest on a dark blue cap band below a madder red turban. Brass vent holes are on either side. This type of kepi was worn by enlisted soldiers up to World War I, before the horizon blue uniform was introduced.

It appears this kepi was altered by an enlisted soldier who was promoted to NCO. This is evident by the non-regulation black piping and the presence of officer side buttons. A gold lace chinstrap would have been fastened to the front but is not present in this example.

Country: France	War Period: French Third Republic
Garment Type: Kepi	Year Made:
Identification: FRK-162-0709