A rare piece of modern German history; this vintage Ushanka hat dates from 1990 when, as part of the ongoing process of Reunification, the East German armed forces were being absorbed into the Bundeswehr, and were issued with new cockades for their field, peaked and winter caps from the state coat of arms of the GDR to the colors black, red and gold (after the change in political leadership, mid-1990).

From May 1990 until formal reunification in October, officers in the East German land forces wore the same hats as before but with altered cockades. Gone was the East German coat of arms, and in its place the West German circular hat device in the national colors, with black in the center. They date from a very brief and historic period, but also they reveal the frustration of many NVA officers as they faced demobilization. At their worst, the hats have been mistreated in ways that would have been unthinkable in DDR times.

Made of dark brown fake fur and black leatherette, with a hook and loop fastening strap to secure the ear flaps when not needed.

No fabric labels, but faux fur is acrylic.

Fully lined inside

Labelled a size 55, this runs true to size and will fit a Mens size Small.

Inside circumference= 55 cm/ 21 5/8 inches

In good vintage condition- the leatherette on the outside is starting to delaminate, and the cockade is a bit bent in places.