Hungary, Kingdom. A Rare Nyíregyháza Hajdu Uniform for the Millennium Celebrations in Budapest, c.1900

Originally manufactured for a Hujdu, or county sheriff, who would represent their region in Budapest for national events and celebrations beginning in 1896 until the outbreak of the First World War. Following the conclusion of the war, these celebrations were far less frequent, and these elaborate and distinctive uniforms, which were only worn on a few notable occasions, were often adopted by theatratrical wardrobes. 

This particular uniform consists of the following three components: 

1. Tunic crafted in a Dolman style, featuring a green wool base and elaborate red braidwork in a hussar fashion. The jacket is cut tight and short, and decorated with passementerie throughout with brass buttons adorning the front as well as securing the matching shoulder boards. The interior constructed on black silk, with two distinctive stampings, signifying that the tunic was originally tailored in Nyíregyháza and later acquired by the Corvin Film company which subsequently closed in 1928. Later, it then became property of the Hungarian National Theatre. With a sleave inseam of 42 cm, shoulder span of 42 cm, and a length of 66 cm, having been cleaned and well cared for, very fine.

2. Accompanied by matching breaches, with red passementerie on front waist, interior stamped as tunic, measuring 45 cm across at waist point and interior inseam of 68 cm, also remains very fine.

3. A matching busby with exterior in fur over a cork frame and the top in green wool, featuring die stamped national coat of arms affixed via prongs, adorned by original white feather plum, with ornate passementerie, silk interior having been restored and replaced, stamped size 59, very fine.