Germany, Wehrmacht. A Karakul Fur Cap for Cossacks

Exterior of the cap is crafted out of Karakul lamb fur. Unlike other Cossack Kubanka hats, which had a fur sidewall and a wool top, Karakul fur was very exotic and was used for the entire cap. There is a tri-colour cockade with a red felt center placed on the front of the cap. The inside is lined with black nylon fabric and black nylon trim. Measurements: 170mm diameter x 120mm in height. Extremely fine condition. Footnote: Cossacks were among the vast numbers of Soviet Soldiers who deserted to the Axis during 1941 and 1942. In August 1942, a whole Soviet Cossack Regiment complete with officers deserted to the Germans, eventually being put in service by the Germans as the 5th Don Cossack Regiment. The Cossacks retained much of their Soviet dress and equipment, usually with the addition of German tunics with matching patches and insignia's.