Nack

Questions as to authenticity of the "1940s-dated" cap have come up, so I thought I'd post some more pictures to see what folks think. Here goes...

Thank you all for the nice comments, and generous offers to open space in my collection. I'll give it some thought, but it probably wont have much traction The hats seem to vary widely in price. NKVD items in general command a premium. I know a guy who has another blue NKVD frontier troops budyonovka if you want one

Your wish is my command It is one of my favorites. And thanks again for sending the pics to the expert.

Thanks. As to the stamp, I know its a bit wierd, and I too have not seen another like it. I have the Webster/Nelson book as well as the Shalito book, but neither really sheds light on the stamp. I think the stamp says 1945 or 1948 to be honest. The hat is certainly old, from mid 40s to mid 50s for sure. I've noticed that dating this stuff is hard. Whatever the date, its a nice hat, which looks good with the uniform it is displayed with.

Stunning, particularly the leather cap. I think I've actually heard of that cap--there are only so many of those out in our neck of the woods

Thanks for the kudos, and I'd love to know what Mr. Voronov's thoughts are, thanks! Nice cap you've got. The blue is a bit bleached-out--I wonder if the previous owner lived in some of the warmer parts of the USSR. Perhaps one of the _____stans? Nice 2-piece cocade. which really adds a lot to the aesthetics in my opinion.

Pre-1972 because the letters are gilt, not silk screened onto the boards?

Thanks. The 1925-dated example I didn't really like when I got it, but it has really grown on me. It came with a WWII-dated NKVD pullover and pants, which I was more interested in. After having the hat for awhile, I really appreciate it--its not in too bad of shape for being 80 years old, and its got lots of character. Makes you wonder what the guy who wore it got into

No problem. Glad to know something and be able to share

And the inside of the old OGPU-era cap. Well worn, but nice. Dated 1925 and has the guy's name. Nice crusher visor. I didn't shoot the NKVD frontier troops budyonovka--its just grey and the stamps don't come out.

And the whole deal from the bottom.

Blue-top NKVD again, close up of lining--grey graylex-type sweat band.

Here's the NVKD blue top from the front. Nice teller shape, a little crazing on the visor, but not bad. BTW, I have no doubts as to authenticity on any of these, I just wanted to see what others thought about the date stamp.

Yup, frontier troops, or boarder guards as we might say. Like this....

And while I'm at it, here's a couple more hats.

And the inside. You could really interpret it 3 ways. Thoughts?

Ok, here's the cap from the outside. Rounded fiberboard visor with 1-piece cap star. More indicitive of post-war than wartime, I know, but not dispositive of the issue.

Well, the stuff looks green to me. I would therefore tell you that these are KGB frontier troops insignia.

That probably does make more sense

Could you post a picture of the inside of your blue-top cap? I've got one too, and I can't tell if the date inside is 1945, 1946, or 1948, and maybe your cap will give me some direction. Thanks!

That frontier troops cap with the 2-piece badge is rather nice!

W/r/t leather, what about Bick 4 (easily found on tack-selling websites)? I've used it on leather items and it restores flexibility.

I'm not a OMSA guy, so can someone tell me if Mr. Winther is an attorney? I know I am, and he and I reached the same conclusion about the law's effects (which is disheartning). Also, does anyone have a link to legislative-history materials pertaining to the SVA? I'd like to see where congresspeople allegedly assured the world that collectors and historians would not be impacted.

Yikes! I'll ask my expert what he thinks...