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310
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Extremely rare cap for an officer of the Konvoï of the Imper…
See original version (French)
310
-
Extremely rare cap for an officer of the Konvoï of the Imper…
See original version (French)
Estimate €600 - €800
Voluntary lot
Description
Extremely rare cap for an officer of the Konvoï of the Imperial Majesty Tsar Nicholas II, in red wool, applied to the front of a cockade, with cream piping, the visor in black patent leather. Red silk interior with numerous stamps. Holes and wear.
Russia, early 20th century.
H. 13.5 x W. 23.5 cm.
Provenance
Collection of Mr G
History
This officer's cap comes from the Konvoi of His Imperial Majesty, the Tsar's personal escort, made up mainly of Cossacks from the Kuban and Terek regions. Created as the sovereign's bodyguard, this unit accompanied the Emperor on his travels and guarded the imperial residences. Under Nicholas II, it embodied military loyalty, Caucasian prestige and the intimacy of the court. There were very few officers, which explains the extreme rarity of their uniforms. The cap was rarely worn, as members of the Konvoi preferred the papakha, a more emblematic Cossack headdress.
To date, only two examples of this cap are known to be in private hands, making it an extremely rare item. It is reproduced in Dmitri Klotchkov's 2007 reference work, "Отличные храбростью..." : Собственный Его Императорского Величества конвой, 1829-1917: история, обмундирование, вооружение, регалии, devoted to the history, uniforms, weaponry and insignia of the Imperial Konvoi. After the abdication of Nicholas II in March 1917, the regiment was quickly distanced from the imperial family by the Provisional Government. The Revolution, civil war and exile then dispersed its officers, taking with them the last memories of this Imperial Guard. This cap remains a rare material reminder of the last military circle that surrounded the Tsar.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Lot description modified on 06/01/2026 at 11:59 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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