Caps of the Soviet Army

Introduction

Due to the large number of caps in this category, I have subdivided the Army cap section into the four uniform periods described on my Uniform Periods page to the left. All caps on this page were worn during this period. However, certain uniform elements (including caps) often extended into succeeding uniform regulations. In most cases, I have placed these caps according to which uniform period they were introduced. A thumbnail image accompanies each cap description. Clicking on that thumbnail will bring up a larger, higher resolution image.

1955-1958: M55 or "Zhukov" uniforms

The red band and piping identifies this cap as one worn by all-arms generals (Rifles/Motorized Rifles) with their parade uniforms during this period. Support troop and tank/artillery generals wore other color combinations, as you will see elsewhere on my site. The basic style and colors of this cap have their origins in the 1945 Victory parade uniforms of generals and marshals. As those were, the crown is "wave green" and the band is embroidered with stylized laurel leaves in gold wire. However, other elements of the cap reflect changes instituted in 1954/55. At that time embroidery was added to the visor; which by necessity was now made of a leather and cloth "sandwich", vice the fiberboard visor used previously on these parade caps (embroidery doesn't sew well onto cardboard!). A special embroidered leather chinstrap was also added, replacing the gold cords previously worn (since these cords were now authorized for officer parade wear). Finally, the new M55 oval general's cockade replaced the round general's cockade used throughout the war years. The crown was the smaller "teller" shape as used previously, as were the two brass strap buttons embossed with the great seal of the Soviet Union. Standard general's upgraded leather sweatband, silk lining and leather maker's label round out the cap. Scarce

Rifles
Officer Parade
1955-1958

This M55 series parade cap reflects a beautiful but short-lived attempt to smarten up Army uniforms, reportedly sponsored by Marshal of Soviet Union Zhukov. Under the 1955 regulations, parade uniform tunics for all Army officers became medium gray (steel), as did the cap crown color. As a rifles/infantry cap, the band and piping were done in traditional crimson (also referred to as magenta or raspberry). Justice officers also used this combination during this period. Metal visor leaves selectively introduced into the Army in 1949 (Navy had used them earlier) became standard for all branches on these caps, as did a new national cockade (oval in shape with a superimposed red star), surrounded by a spray of metal leaves on the band. Gold cords previously only used by generals were also authorized. The overall effect of the M55 parade uniform was pleasing to the esthetics' eye, but apparently proved to be too much for the Army's traditionalists to stomach and was replaced by a simpler, khaki colored parade uniform in 1958. Available

Special Troops
Officer Parade
1955-1958

This cap was part of the medium gray (steel), M1955 parade uniform of an Engineer, Signals or other Special Troops' officer. Most of these support branches used the color combination of black band with dark blue piping along the top of the band and the crown. The remainder of the cap elements was the same as for other M55 caps: Metal visor leaves, gold cap cords, and a two-piece emblem consisting of the M55 cockade and a separate metal wreath. Scarce

Medical
Officer Parade
1955-1958

Another of the 1955 parade uniform variants, this cap belonged to a Medical, Veterinary, or Administrative officer. These branches used the color combination of dark green band with red piping along the top of the band and the crown. The remainder of the cap elements was the same as for other M55 caps described here. Scarce

Tank/Artillery
Officer Parade
1955-1958

This was the cap worn by tank and artillery officers with the 1955 parade uniform. Like the others above, the crown was in medium gray napped wool; with the tank/artillery branch affiliation signified by the combination of red piping with a black velvet band. The remainder of the cap elements was the same as for other M55 caps - gold leaves pinned to a fiberboard visor, gold cords held by brass army-style buttons, and the two-piece M55 parade cockade. Available

Tank/Artillery
Officer Parade
1955-1958

What sets this cap apart from the one above, is that it was made by an East German uniform factory. Although not widely known, many Soviet officers stationed in Eastern Europe took advantage of high quality local tailors and clothing factories to have uniforms, shoulderboards and caps made in accordance to Soviet military standards. Of course there was wide variation in just how much those "standards" were followed, since most officers wanted uniform items better or more distinctive than the ones they could purchase at home. This cap is in fact very difficult to distinguish outwardly from a USSR-manufactured example. It appears the exterior materials are the same - perhaps actually from Soviet supplied cloth. It takes a look inside to distinguish its origin - where the factory stamp clearly identifies it as German made. Fortunately, this cap was little worn, so all the markings are intact - indicating it was made in 1955 at the "VEB HUTE UND MUTZEN" (People's Factory for Hats and Caps) in Berlin. The only other indication of its non-Soviet origin is the use of a German-style gray sweatband. Rare

Tank/Artillery
Officer Service
1955-1958

Part of the new service uniform introduced for Army Armor officers in 1949 and worn until 1958, this 1953 dated cap has a dark green crown (as opposed to the brownish khaki more often seen). The band is black velvet, the traditional color and fabric for armor officers, while piping is red. The chinstrap is made of black oilcloth (impregnated fabric). The national cockade is the new officers' oval version standardized in 1955, replacing the simple red star used previously by Army officers. The visor is round-edged and is made of black lacquered cardboard/ fiberboard. Available-Scarce

VOSO/Railroad
Officer Service
1955-1969

A rarer counterpart to the above cap, this 1957 dated cap would have been worn by an officer from 1955 to 1958 or an extended service sergeant from 1955 to 1969. The dark green wool top and brass cockade indicates this one was probably an officer's model. The key distinguishing feature of the cap is the combination of light blue (azure) piping and black velvet band. This combination identified the wearer as belonging to the VOSO (Military Communications Troops) or the Military Railroad Troops. The rest of the cap is standard for the period - teller shaped wool crown, black lacquered fiberboard visor, black oilcloth chinstrap held in place by two brass buttons. Available-Scarce

Medical/Administration
Sergeant Service
1955-1969

Extended service sergeants of the medical, veterinary and administration services wore this type green-banded cap with red piping until 1970 (this cap is dated 1969 - the last year of its use). Instead of the wool often seen on officer's caps, the khaki crown of this one is made of cotton. The star is a late 1960's version: aluminum with red paint. The visor is fiberboard and the black oilskin strap is held by standard army gilt buttons. Available-Scarce