Rare Early WW1 French Infantry Officers ' Horizon Blue' Kepi 1914/15

A rare early WW1 officers private purchase kepi of the semi Foulard style & in blue grey wool.
Extremely difficult to find today these early blue examples were seen in the field by 1915 with the Hungarian knot & double rank braiding ( Lieutenant ) being a carryover from the pre WW1 period. Rank insignia & unit numbering on kepis were forbidden towards the end of 1914 however many examples were produced commercially which simply ignored this regulation. This Kepis early war manufacture is denoted by the ' Demi Foulard' style which was a popular style from 1884 onwards. Chinstrap is of matching blue cloth with both chinstrap buttons in gilt & having the flaming grenade of the infantry. When one carefully pulls back the chinstrap to reveal the unweathered cloth its light blue colour is quite striking. Interior has a high quality blue satin lining with tailor label for 'Beviere' of ' 11 Rue Nationale , Tours' .
Having survived in quite excellent condition it has only two or three very small moth nips that are only noticeable upon close inspection.
A rare piece of early WW1 French headdress & one of the first to be produced.

Code: 10452