*Soviet, Cold War Era (c.1950s–70s), Military Ushanka, Nameed “Куценко”*
A Soviet military-issue ushanka of early–mid Cold War manufacture, produced in thick melton wool with the correct dense wool-pile ear flaps showing the characteristic green-olive cast found on authentic period examples. This pile is markedly superior to the glossy acrylic used on modern reproductions, displaying the matte, slightly coarse texture typical of 1950s–70s military production. The interior retains its full quilted cotton lining, padded and greyed with age, again confirming issue manufacture rather than later commercial types.
To the front is fitted a Soviet two-piece Red Star cockade with gilt wreath and deep-red guilloché enamel centre. This is the correct pattern introduced in 1955, and while almost certainly fitted or replaced during service rather than at the original factory, it is an entirely appropriate period accessory for a cap of this age. Ear-flaps secure with the expected composite buttons and original cotton tie cords.
Inside the crown, the diamond-shaped factory label panel is present with only faint vestiges of the printed information now remaining. Above it, however, is a clearly identifiable handwritten Cyrillic surname — “Куценко” (Kutsenko) — applied in pen by the original Soviet serviceman. Beneath this, the small boxed acceptance mark and the smudged overprint of a depot batch stamp survive in fragmentary form, entirely consistent with Cold War supply practice.
Historical Note:
The ushanka became the defining Cold War winter headdress of the Soviet armed forces, worn by conscripts, NCOs, and specialised branches across the Warsaw Pact. Mid-period examples such as this — constructed from heavy wool cloth and natural wool-pile flaps — represent a higher grade of manufacture than the lightweight synthetic variants issued from the 1980s onward or produced for modern export. Personalisation was common: soldiers frequently wrote their surnames inside cold-weather gear to distinguish items during barracks inspections. The present example’s handwritten “Куценко” is characteristic of this practice and adds an appealing human link to the piece. The two-piece enamel cockade, although often swapped or replaced in service, remains the correct Cold War emblem worn on ushankas from 1955 through the Soviet collapse.
*Condition*
Good service-worn condition. Exterior wool cloth sound with light pilling and minor handling wear. Wool-pile flaps with expected flattening and age toning to a green-olive shade typical of mid-Cold-War examples. Interior quilted lining intact with dulled, aged cotton and softening from use. Handwritten surname “Куценко” visible though faded. Factory stamp ink largely worn away; remnants of boxed acceptance mark and depot overprint present. Cockade clean and bright but likely a service-period replacement. Tie cords and flap buttons original. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMEXCE_1463220298
