The shearling cap of the army infantry of the sample of 1881, a copy

Hats of this type are one of the most recognizable details of the Russian infantry uniform of the sample of 1881. What caused the choice of such a headdress is not exactly known. According to one version, Emperor Alexander III was distinguished by a predilection for hats without a visor. According to another, the style of the hats was borrowed from the Bulgarian militia in 1877. Anyway, in the foot troops, the caps of the 1881 model existed for more than a quarter of a century, and were canceled only in 1908 in the process of switching to a new uniform. One of the difficulties in introducing the form of the sample of 1881 was the need to prepare a huge number of astrakhan skins in a short time, which the domestic industry had never done before. Later, by the end of the XIX century, hats for the lower ranks began to be made of artificial fur. The bottom of the cap was made of black "guards" cloth, the fur band was sheathed at the bottom with leather edging, to which, in turn, a thin leather collar was sewn. The inside of the hat was lined with canvas, dyed or twill, quilted for greater durability. In front of the fur band, the St. Andrew's star was attached to the guard, in army units – a double-headed eagle, on top of which the insignia of the unit and the cockade were attached. The latter should not have protruded above the edge of the fur band. Similar hats, but with different fittings and with a bottom of other colors, were widely used in civil departments in the 1890s - 1900s.

This copy of the cap is completely made in our time as a museum copy and, judging by the features of the execution (lining material, the height of the band), belonged to an over-serving non-commissioned officer. It should be noted that the original gilded eagle and oval cockade were used in the manufacture. The ribbon is newly made. Excellent in the price / quality ratio option for the design of a museum showcase!