Description
Original WWII Soviet Officer’s Papakha – Astrakhan Fur (Terek Cossack Style)
This example is an original Soviet officer’s papakha dating to the Second World War, constructed in the traditional Cossack style and associated with officers of the Terek Cossack host. The papakha was a tall fur cap of Caucasian origin, adopted into both Imperial and Soviet military dress as a symbol of authority and regional identity.
The body of the cap is made of black astrakhan fur, tightly curled and well preserved, forming the characteristic cylindrical shape. The crown is covered in cloth with piping, a configuration consistent with officer-grade issue of the wartime period. The interior is lined in cloth, showing signs of wear and use while retaining structural integrity. Stitching and materials remain original, without evidence of postwar replacement.
During the Second World War, papakhas were worn by Soviet cavalry and officers, particularly in units raised from the Caucasus and Cossack regions such as the Terek Cossacks. While ordinary enlisted troops were more commonly issued standard side caps or winter ushankas, the papakha persisted as a mark of tradition and command, especially among officers. Surviving wartime examples are less common than later postwar models, as materials and production were limited during the conflict.
This cap represents both the continuity of Cossack military dress into the Soviet era and the adaptation of traditional forms within the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War. As an artifact, it illustrates the intersection of regional identity and centralized Soviet uniform policy during a period of immense upheaval.
Keywords: Soviet officer papakha, WWII astrakhan fur hat, Terek Cossack uniform, WWII Soviet cavalry, Red Army officer headgear, WWII Eastern Front militaria.
