Russia, Imperial. A Cossack Guards Regiment Officer’s Uniform, with Sword

A complete Cossack Guards Regiment Officer’s uniform ensemble, including:

1. A papakha, constructed of sheepskin surrounding a maroon wool crown. The former retains its original wool with a pronounced nap, with frontal slits allowing the panels to roll down to protect the wearer’s ears and neck. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place with metal eyelets. Stitched onto the peak is a metal insignia consisting of an M1907 cockade, measuring 28 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Directly below the cockade, the peak is also pinned with a silvered brass insignia in the form of the Order of St. Andrew, measuring 52 mm (w) x 52 mm (h). The interior is encompassed by a multi-piece white wool liner. Notably, it is stamped with the mark of the costume department of a Helsinki-based theatre, indicating postwar use as a prop in the Finnish theatre circuit. Demonstrating minor and age-appropriate material fatigue throughout, it remains in a better than very fine condition.

2. A cherkeska, constructed of black cotton/wool blended cloth. The shoulders are flanked by boards which are constructed of red wool with rigid buckram cores, topped by layers of machine-embroidered silver-grey threading, and bear two gold bullion wire stars. Each board measures 65 mm (w) x 135 mm (l). The breasts bear double-sided gazyrs consisting of ten individual cells, with each side retaining nine symbolic rifle charges constructed of wood with silver caps. The breasts close with double-sided metal hooks meeting equal numbers of threaded loops Unmarked, the cherkeska measures approximately 50 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 72 cm, and an overall length of 108 cm. Demonstrating minor and age-appropriate material fatigue, including partial detachment of the shoulder boards, it remains in a better than very fine condition.

3. A matching pair of undergarments, including a shirt, constructed of black cotton and with a similar clip and loop enclosure. Unmarked, it measures approximately 38 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 56 cm, and an overall length of 72 cm when folded on a flat surface. Accompanying the shirt is a pair of underpants, constructed of black satin with an integral drawstring situated within the waistband. Unmarked, they measure approximately 50 cm across the waist, with an inseam of 34 cm, and an overall length of 92 cm when folded on a flat surface. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, both undergarments remain in an extremely fine condition.

4. A sword, measuring 95 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 80 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains some factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. It is unmarked with the exception of two curved lines, possibly indicative of export. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt which features a gilded brass crossguard, hand guard, and back strap. The handle grip consists of a wooden core which is topped by a ribbed simulated rayskin liner. Accompanying the sword is its original scabbard, constructed of a light wooden core which is lined on the exterior with a dark brown leather liner. Gilded brass fixtures are secured to the tip and throat, with the latter retaining to magnetic metal loops for the accommodation of a hanger. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include tarnishing and surface oxidation to the blade with some denting of the tip, scratching to the hilt, wear of the handle grip, denting of the scabbard fixtures, and some fatigue of the leather liner. The sword remains in a better than very fine condition.