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    British Bearskin, WWII era

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    About this item

    Best known as the headgear of the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, the bearskin dates
    back at least to the mid-18th C and was adopted by a number of European countries,
    primarily for grenadiers.  The tall fur hats added height and made the soldiers appear more
    intimidating in battle and on the parade ground.  Bearskins have not been worn into battle
    since the mid-19th C and are now used entirely in a ceremonial role.  The standard
    bearskin for the British foot guards is 11 inches tall at the front, 16 inches to the rear,
    weighs 1.5 pounds and is made from the fur of the Canadian black bear. An entire skin is
    used for each head-dress. The British Army purchases the head-dresses, which are known
    as caps, from British hatmakers who source the pelts from an international auction. The
    hatmakers purchase between 50 and 100 black bear skins each year at a cost of about
    £650 each.  This example features genuine bearskin exterior sewn together and fitted over
    a wicker frame.  Leather-backed brass chin scales with nine-finger leather liner and
    sweatband.  Inside of cap features label with size (7 1/4) and maker “J. COMPTON SONS
    & WEBB. LTD. LONDON” (in business from 1930 to 1978).  While the use of genuine
    bearskin has been opposed for many years by animal rights activists, the British
    government still orders approximately 100 caps each year while it looks for a synthetic
    substitute.  However, the genuine bearskin is warm, sheds water, and retains its shape in
    all weather and so far no suitable substitute has been developed.  Skin in very good
    condition; sweatband showing some wear and leather on chin scales with some flaking and
    loss of stitching.  Former collection of film producer John D. Schofield ( “As Good as it
    Gets”, “Jerry Maguire”, “Enemy at the Gates”, “The Brothers Grimm”, etc.). Priced below
    the original cost of the skin alone!

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    Additional Information

    Code

    M1686 (MZ-32422)

    Period

    Mid 20th Century, WW2

    Nationality

    British

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    Antique Weapon Store

    Tuckasegee, United States

    Collecting since 1970 and in business since 1999, we are passionate about what we sell and do our utmost to please all our customers.