Russia, Imperial. A Cossack Chokha

 A rare and very well-preserved Imperial-period Cossack chokha, constructed of black wool. The shoulders are flanked by boards constructed of golden-yellow wool with a buckram core, and which are topped by silver aluminum wire tresses bisected by a single length of red machine-emroidered piping and pinned with dual gilded stars (corresponding to an Imperial Army rank of Podporuchik). Each measuring 62 mm (w) x 145 mm (l), the boards are affixed in place with reverse straps which fasten with silvered bronze buttons bearing raised Imperial Russian eagles. Stitched onto the upper breasts are eight-celled gazyrs retaining period symbolic rifle charges constructed of wooden shafts with intricately-decorated silvered bronze caps. The Chokha closes with an array of threaded balls and loops tightly stitched onto the flaps. The interior of the upper chest and back is encompassed by a grey cotton liner, complete with drawstrings. Unmarked, the Chokha measures approximately 48 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 59 cm, and an overall length of 103 cm. The Chokha is accompanied by a period original white wool shawl. Demonstrating only minor and age-appropriate signs of wear and material fatigue to both articles, it remains in a near extremely fine condition.