Article about: This was an enigma to me for many years. I obtained it from Dave Webster as a gift and we could not figure out what it was. It was missing it's cockarde, but the chinstrap and Soviet buttons
This was an enigma to me for many years. I obtained it from Dave Webster as a gift and we could not figure out what it was. It was missing it's cockarde, but the chinstrap and Soviet buttons were intact. There was a "ghost" on the band where the cockarde was supposed to be affixed, but for the life of me any Soviet cockarde I had in stock, saw on the internet or in books did not fit the bill...
I inquired with some colleagues on the Russian language collectors forums, but got nowhere - the final prognosis was "It is not Soviet in any case".
Finally, I was browsing eBay and a seller in Estonia was offering a "Estonian Fireman's badge". I had a gut feeling it was what I was looking for - and for ten bucks and a few extra for shipping I took the chance. Upon receipt, I held it up to the cap's band, and wouldn't you know it, it was a perfect match to the "ghost".
So, I have an Estonian fireman's cap... It's design is 1950s, possibly even 1960s IMO - comparing it to Soviet visor caps of the same/similar construction.
What I am curious about knowing is; Are the (Soviet) chinstrap buttons correct, or is there a specific type? They certainly appear to have been affixed to the cap for a very long time.
Dimas and/or any colleagues in the know concerning Estonian items, I would value your opinions, guesses, or factual answers on this.
Cheers,
Richie
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam!
Hi
On the button, there should be a picture of a firefighters helmet. Similar insignia and buttons were also before WWII. Though there was a shield with 3 leopards above the helmet.
Bookmarks