Bearskin

The Bearskin Hat is a headwear, which is carried by units of various armed forces as part of the dress uniform, as well as the headgear Tatar peoples.

History

Since the 17th century the bearskin as a headdress for Grenadiers of the Imperial Habsburg, Spanish and French army is known. Also, in most Catholic territories of the Holy Roman Empire and Europe contributed to this Pelzmützenart. Especially in the Protestant territories evolved from this form, the later reinforced by a sheet metal miter. Both were leaner than the three-cornered hat, the disturbed while throwing grenades. Even after the use of grenades disappeared mid-18th century, were the caps for the elite units. Why dominated the bearskin, especially in Catholic areas, is unknown.

The denominational distinction disappeared in the 18th century, more and more were now purely fashionable motifs in the foreground. Thus, the British Grenadiers led initially the " Protestant " Mitra. The first record of the use of bearskin goes back to 1768.

For the low- battles of the French Guard Grenadiers at the battle of Waterloo and the British 1st Regiment of Foot Guards in 1815 was granted by Royal Decree wearing the bearskin. Later, the British Army introduced it in all Guards regiments of infantry.

The difficulties of a sufficient amount of bear skins to raise the cap production and the disappearance of the grenadiers as independent units in the European armies, led to the bearskin is now worn only by Guard units. The fur prices on the London Head Shop Auctions attracted every time strongly, when the English army administration issued orders for new hats.

Execution

The British bearskin is 18 inches (45.72 cm ) tall and weighs 1.5 pound (680 g). To distinguish the regiments wear them with different colors and different design feather or hair bushes, the Stutz. With nozzle cap was worn especially in the late 18th century and the first half of the 19th century.

About 100 bearskins of the American black bears are processed annually for the caps. These come from support programs for the Canadian Inuit. Some of the used still caps are already over 100 years old. In the 1980s and 1990s, attempts were made due to the protests of animal rights activists, their caps in the future be made of synthetic material ( fur). However, the new material differed from the historical caps, was less resistant to weathering effects and led to static charges, which affected the wearing comfort. 2008 has been proposed before major renovation to change the shape of the caps in order to use other substances can, but this did not materialize.

Troops with bearskin

In the following units bearskin is still supported:

• Belgium Escorte Royale Belge - Het Koninklijk escort

• Denmark The Kongelige Livgarde

• Italy Granatieri di Sardegna ( Guard Grenadiers )

• Canada Royal 22e Régiment
• Governor General's Foot Guards
• Canadian Grenadier Guards

• Sweden Livgarde

• United Kingdom Coldstream Guards (red Stutz right side)
• Grenadier Guards (white Stutz left side)
• Scots Guards ( no nozzle )
• Irish Guards (blue Stutz right side)
• Welsh Guards (white / green / white Stutz left side)

Military orchestra

In some, traditional, military orchestras the bearskin is sometimes issued or supported by functionaries. Thus, except for the musicians of the above units, as well as the musicians of The Royal Regiment of Canada ( Canada ) and the Honourable Artillery Company ( United Kingdom) this cap. In addition, the drummer of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment wear a bearskin, as well as in the U.S., the drum majors of the official military bands:

• Army Field Band
• United States Army Band
• United States Air Force Band
• United States Coast Guard band
• United States Marine Band ( The President's Own)
• United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps (The Commandant 's Own )
• United States Navy Band

Pictures

U.S. Drum Major

Grenadier Guard

Neapolitan Cuirassier, 1814

Swedish Grenadier Guards

Spanish Guard infantrymen, circa 1840