Romanian Colonels Cap.
During the Cold War (the period of the Socialist Republic of Romania, RSR), the colonel's cap underwent significant changes. The style shifted from the earlier French influences to a model heavily based on Soviet design, befitting a member of the Warsaw Pact.
Characteristics of the Colonel's Cap (Cold War)
- Shape and Color: The cap had a wide, flat top (dish-shaped) and was made of khaki-olive green wool for the army.
- Cap Band and Piping: The color of the band indicated the military branch. For the infantry, this was usually red, while the air force used blue details.
- Insignia (Cockard): In the center of the band was a large, gold-colored metal emblem. This featured the coat of arms of the Socialist Republic of Romania (RSR), often surrounded by two rows of enameled or metal oak leaves for officers from lieutenant to colonel. Chinstrap: Colonels wore a gold, braided cord (akolith) above the peak, attached with two small gold-colored buttons bearing the national coat of arms.
- Peak: A colonel's peak is usually made of smooth, black synthetic material or patent leather with additional decoration.
Unit Differences:
- Army: Khaki with red piping/band.
- Air Force: Blue-gray with light blue details and often a winged insignia.
- Securitate: Often recognizable by specific colors such as dark blue or purplish details on the band.
The exact rank of colonel was sometimes difficult to distinguish from that of other senior officers on the cap itself; the specific rank was definitively confirmed by the shoulder patches with three large gold stars on a gold background.
Manufacturer: Condor Romania
Dated: 1991
Size: 54
