Cold War Uniform Visor Caps
of the Soviet Union 1945-1991

Introduction

This site samples the martial glory of Soviet uniform visor caps from the beginning of the Cold War Era to the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Although little recognized in the West, Soviet military and government uniforms during this period were extremely varied and colorful. Although many countries had rather ornate military uniforms prior to WWII, most lost little time after the War in abandoning their "old-fashioned" uniform styles in the interest of economy, camouflage, or anti-militarism. The USSR, however, resisted this simplification of its uniforms, in spite of the heavy drain the large number of uniform variations and style changes imposed on the Soviet clothing industry. The reason was simple. The 1943 uniform regulations, which restored a distinctly "Tsarist" look to the Red Army, were extremely popular and successful in terms of restoring morale to the armed forces. Soldiers took pride in their appearance and gloried in the trappings of past accomplishments. Nevertheless, uniform development was not stagnant, and refinements contined after WWII. New uniform regulations built on those of 1943, combining heavy elements of Imperial Russian uniform tradition with symbols of the Red Army. The resulting array of uniforms enabled even the lowest conscript to impress his girl friend on de-mob day with his sartorial heroism, while, at the other end, a Marshall could outshine a peacock in his spectacular parade uniform.

For those of you relatively new to the Soviet uniform collecting scene, I would recommend you peruse a little background information I've put together on the development of uniforms over this period. This will make my individual cap descriptions more meaningful. Select "Uniform Periods" from the action buttons to the left to do this or go directly to the "Cap Museum" category you wish to view.

You will also find sections to the left on "Visor Caps Dissected" which will identify the parts of a cap to which I make reference, tips on properly displaying your caps and a page on "Fakes and Replicas" for those of you who tend to be too trusting of your fellow man. A section on "Help, what is this?" shows caps that are a mystery to me - any help would be appreciated!

Availability

At the end of each cap description, I have provided my assessment as to the general availability of similar caps. This represents how often caps show up at shows or are offered for sale on-line or in advertisements. It does not directly relate to value! Some rare items garner low prices due to low demand (for now!).

Common: readily available at most large militaria shows or easily found for sale on the Internet or in "surplus" stores.

Available: harder to find but usually available if you know where to look and are patient.

Scarce: occasionally seen or offered, but may be difficult to find in US due to limited sources.

Rare: rarely seen; usually available only from other collectors or in Russia.

Very Rare: perhaps not one-of-a-kind, but rarely seen even in the USSR during the Cold War period.

The Task

The task of documenting even one element of this Soviet uniform tradition (visor caps, for those of you who got lost in my ramblings) is somewhat daunting. The many variations reflecting changing uniform styles, different branches and arms of service, seasonal changes, differences in rank, and special unit distinctions; not to mention the array of non-military uniforms instituted for everyone from police to diplomats; total well into the hundreds. However, I have and continue to collect a good representative sampling of these caps, which, I hope, will do the entire range justice.

Dedication

This site is dedicated to the soldiers and officers of the former Soviet armed forces. Although the ideology of its leaders was hopelessly flawed, the Soviet military was, by and large, an honorable extension of a proud people (or melting pot of peoples). In my numerous discussions with Soviet officers, I found them without exception to be morally the equivalent of Western officers and to be individuals I would be proud to have as friends, had our situations allowed it. "He has no greater love than he who would lay down his life for another" embodies the ideals of the soldier. Members of the Soviet Army and Navy held to this no less than soldiers in the West.

Help Me, Help You

Anyone detecting errors or in possession of additional information on any of these caps or in my descriptions is asked to e-mail me so that I may correct/enhance those areas.

Disclaimer

My site deliberately focuses on caps in my collection. There are a number of photos out there of caps I do not personally own - which I would love to include. However, since we have far too many lawyers looking for lawsuits to finance their kids through college, this option is closed to me without their owners' permission. That said, I would happily add pictures and descriptions of any post-war Soviet uniform visor caps that I do not have but you are willing to send me. These will of course be credited to the owner.

And of course - if you have any caps I don't have and want to sell - E-MAIL ME! - at randallstewart@comcast.net and we can dicker over the dirty details of money.

Well, let's see if the results match the promises, shall we? Please make your selections from the links to the left.