Original WWI Austro-Hungarian Officer Kepi With “Kaiser Karl” K Bullion Cockade

Original Item: Only One Available. Austria-Hungary, often referred to as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Dual Monarchy, or Austria, was a constitutional monarchy and great power in Central Europe between 1867 and 1918. It was formed with the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 in the aftermath of the Austro-Prussian War and was dissolved shortly after its defeat in the First World War.

The kepi is a cap with a flat circular top and a peak, or visor. In English, the term is a loanword of French: képi, itself a re-spelled version of the Alemannic German: Käppi, a diminutive form of Kappe, meaning "cap". In Europe, this headgear is most commonly associated with French military and police uniforms, though versions of it were widely worn by other armies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, it is usually associated with the American Civil War, as it was worn by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

The Kepi is in wonderful condition for its age. The dark blue/black wool does have minor moth nips present but nothing damaging. The leather sweat band is still in good condition but is partially detached with material loss. The lining appears to be complete and does have staining present with scatter tearing. Size is approximately 57cm - 7 1/8". The interior retains the maker’s mark:

MILITAR-WARENHAUS
HANS DURBECK
WIEN. IX.
31 BERGGASSE 31

SONDERKLASSE
GES. GESCH.
WETTERFEST

This is a lovely complete example of an early Austro-Hungarian kepi. Comes ready for further research and display.