Unknown Kepi

[seagull]

Bought this twenty something years ago,.. can't remember quite why?
Now getting around to wondering what it is, French? Sicilian? Not Italian I would guess. There are three holes at the front and one at the top front/centre edge - perhaps for a plume? Feels, looks, even smells pretty old, but would like to discover what should occupy these holes and perhaps restore some of its dignity!
Your opinions valued as always,
Cheers
Steve

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[Peter_Suciu]

Looks French to me, but I can't say for sure. Does look like something from the Third Republic era (circa late 1870s to 1880s).

 

[zipperheads9]

do you have any pics of the top? Would this be mexican peter? The front has a faint remnant of a previous badge of some kind.
Mark

 

[seagull]

Mark, the top is completely plain dark blue, matching the blue of the sides, with no sign of braid or anything else having been there. I didn't photograph it as it would have been just a dark disc! The hole at the top front edge is bound with thread around its edges rather than being left raw like the others- I would guess this indicates that whatever was there might have been mounted only sometimes, - parades maybe?
Cheers
Steve