"The word képi comes from the German “Käppi,” meaning “cap.” Officially introduced in the French army around the 1840s, the kepi became iconic during the Second Empire (Napoleon III) and especially in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71). By the late 19th and early 20th centuries it was standard issue for the French military, worn by infantry soldiers and officers.
Its lightweight, easily mass-produced construction made it practical, though it was less protective than helmets. The kepi quickly became a visual shorthand for French soldiers, particularly of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Red kepis were famously worn by French infantry at the start of WWI (before drab uniforms and steel helmets took over). In miniature charms and souvenirs like this one, the kepi stood for patriotism, military service, and French identity. about 1/2"" long (not inc ring), unmarked silver with gilding mostly worn off. a jeweler can help you put pic in. on top there's a ball that is decoration but looks like a handle to open a locket. It does nothing, but someone has pulled on it a bunch so the top of the ""hat"" is slightly detatched (not structurally a problem)"