Field protective cap of the lower ranks of the RIA sample 1909/14.

An original and extremely rare cap in good collector's condition. Cloth caps of protective color as a single headdress for the lower ranks of all branches of the armed forces were introduced on March 16, 1909 (previously, protective color uniforms were considered exclusively as summer). In mounted units and those ranks who were supposed to be on horseback, the cap was equipped with an external chin strap, it was not supposed to be for foot ranks.

Until August 1914, several models of the protective cap were replaced, differing from each other mainly in the size of the crown and the band. Almost immediately after the outbreak of the World War, work began on simplifying all items of soldiers' uniforms and equipment. So, already on August 21, 1914, it was ordered to build protective-colored caps without colored edging. On August 31, 1914, it was allowed to use cloth or beaver of any suitable colors available on the market for sewing protective-colored uniforms. Changes to the protective uniform in order to simplify it continued throughout the war. Unfortunately, it is not known exactly when, instead of painted leather visors with two characteristic rollers, it was allowed to use visors covered with a protective fabric for sewing caps, however, in photographs such visors have been found since 1915. Due to the shortage of thin leather, the undercoats could be made of protective oilcloth, black or gray (similar undercoats they were used on caps of the 1880s - 1890s). It is interesting to note that wartime caps were most often sewn with edging along the crown and rim. This was due to the fact that the edging was not only decorative, but also technological details, providing additional strength to the seams, especially in the most important place – at the junction of the rim and crown.

The cloth, from which the band and crown are sewn, is made according to standards approved in peacetime, and is of very high quality. Such a cloth protected well from moisture, which simply rolled down the crown and partially absorbed into the material, practically without penetrating inside. The edging is made of a similar cloth. The visor is leather, with two rollers, of the officer type (possibly replaced at that time). The collar is an oilcloth, made in our time to replace the lost one. A beautiful, very rare example of a soldier's cap from the time of the First World War in good collector's condition. The only drawback is damage to the perimeter of the cap from moths. Guarantee of authenticity.