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an image of a red hat on a black tablea hat on a plate on a black tablea red hat on a plate on a black tablean orange hat with a cross on it sitting on top of a tablean image of a red hat with a celtic design on ita black hat with a yellow band around ita close up of a pair of shoes with a crown on them
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197 - Major General Fernand O’Connor’s kepi.
See original version (French)

Estimate €800 - €1,200
Sale commission
Description
Major General Fernand O’Connor’s kepi. A fine kepi in madder-red cloth with a black band featuring two rows of oak leaves embroidered in gold thread, topped with a row of sequins and a braided gold thread trim, and a three-strand Hungarian bow. Leather peak and band. Frame made of sturdy jute canvas, sweatband in slightly cracked patent leather, lining in gold satin. On the back of the kepi is the General’s insignia (the letters ‘F’ and ‘C’ intertwined and surmounted by a five-pointed crown). Please note some minor damage to the embroidery on the right-hand side. This kepi was worn by Ferdinand O’Connor between 1902 and 1905. Head circumference approximately 54 cm. This item has never been part of a collection and comes directly from the grandson of someone close to General O’Connor. Fernand Marie O’Connor, born in Paris on 21 January 1847, was part of the ‘Sultan’ intake at Saint-Cyr (1866–1868), from which he graduated as a second lieutenant in the 6th Hussars. He took part in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 as part of the prestigious Guides de la Garde Regiment, then served as aide-de-camp to General de Galliffet during the suppression of the Paris Commune. He was promoted to lieutenant and then captain in 1876 whilst serving in chasseur regiments, before becoming an aide-de-camp to the Minister of War, General Borel. He subsequently took part in the expedition to Algeria, then to Tunisia and Tonkin, until 1887. He then returned to Algeria with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the cavalry regiments. He was appointed colonel in 1891 as commander of the 2nd Regiment of African Chasseurs. Promoted to brigadier in 1896 and then to major-general in 1902, he commanded the Oran Division from 1901 to 1903 and distinguished himself during the capture of the Figuig oasis, an achievement that earned him a feature on the front page of *Le Petit Journal* on Sunday 21 June 1903. He died on 24 October 1905. He was the recipient of numerous honours: Commander of the Legion of Honour in 1899, the Tonkin (China) and Anham medals, the Colonial Medal with the Tunisia bar, Officer of the Order of Nichan Ifitkhar, Knight 2nd Class of the Order of Stanislas, Officer of the Order of Leopold, Commander of the Order of Franz Joseph, Knight of the Order of the Sword and Knight of the Order of Our Lady of Vila Viçosa.
See original version (French)
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About the sale FURNITURE & WORKS OF ART
Auction location
Auction time 10/03/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures modified on 09/18/2026 at 4:17 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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