Abearskin is a tallfurcap derived frommitre caps worn bygrenadier units in the 17th and 18th centuries. Initially worn by only grenadiers, bearskins were later used by several other military units in the 19th century. The bearskin cap continued to see use in battle during the mid-19th century, although by the 20th century, it was only used for parade dress. In the 21st century, the bearskin cap is retained by select military units as a prominent element of their ceremonial andfull dress uniforms.
Use of the bearskin caps evolved frommitre caps used bygrenadier units.[1][2] Grenadiers adopted the mitre cap in favour of wide-brimmed caps in the 17th century to provide them with greater mobility when throwinggrenades. To prevent the mitre cap from sagging and to provide it with a more impressive appearance, mitre caps were adorned with a metal front plate or fur. Mitre caps with metal front plates were first adopted by thePrussian Army and were later adopted by other Protestant countries, although the trimming of mitre caps with fur became more prevalent in Roman Catholic countries.[2]
The earliest record of a bearskin-like cap being worn by soldiers in Europe was during the mid-17th century, although its widespread adoption did not take place until 1761, when French grenadiers began to wear tall fur caps resembling the Prussian mitre cap.[2][3][4] The purpose appears to have been to add to the apparent height and impressive appearance of these troops both on the parade ground and the battlefield.[5] These fur caps developed into the large bearskin caps worn by the FrenchImperial Guard.[2] The BritishGrenadier Guards adopted the headdress after their victory at theBattle of Waterloo in 1815, with other British units and European militaries adopting the headdress in the years after.[2][3]
The headdress continued to see military service during the mid-19th century, with Britishfoot guards and theRoyal Scots Greys wearing bearskins in battle during theCrimean War.[6] However, by the mid-19th century, the expense of acquiring bearskin caps and the difficulty in maintaining them in good condition under campaign conditions led to some armies limiting the use of the headdress to specific formal occasions. Military units, like the Italian1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna", eventually discontinued the use of the headgear altogether during that century.[7]
The British continued to use the headdress during peacetime manoeuvres until the introduction ofkhaki service dress in 1902.[6] Immediately before the outbreak of World War I in 1914, bearskins were still worn by several British, Belgian, Danish, German, Russian, and Swedish units as a part of their ceremonial/parade dress.[8] Several regiments that retired the use of the headdress during the 19th century, including units in Italy and the Netherlands, also readopted it for ceremonial use during the 20th century.[2][7]
As of 2020, there were 14 countries whose militaries used bearskin as a part of their ceremonial uniforms. Some of these units wear bearskins made out of real bear fur, while other units use caps made out of synthetic fibres.[3] In addition to military units, several civilianmarching bands have also incorporated the bearskin cap as a part of their uniforms.
The Pipes and Drums Band of the3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment are authorised to wear a bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial dress.[9][better source needed][10]
Two units in Belgium use the bearskin cap, theBelgian Royal Escort of the BelgianFederal Police,[11] and theRegiment Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers of theBelgian Armed ForcesLand Component.
The uniforms of the Belgian Royal Escort, along with their bearskin caps, date back to 1939 when the unit was part of theBelgian Gendarmerie. Modelled after the Gendarmerie's pre-1914 uniforms, the uniforms featured a 3 kilograms (6.6 lb) bearskin cap adorned with aplume. Initially, Royal Belgian Escort captains wore bearskin caps with a white plume, while other unit members had caps with a different coloured plume. However, in 1997, the design of the bearskin caps was standardized, and red plumes were used on all caps regardless of rank except for the Commander of the Escort, riding besides the King. The Royal Belgian Escort continued to wear these uniforms after the Gendarmerie was merged with other police units to form the Federal Police in 2001.[12]
Bearskins were worn as part of the field uniform of theRégiment des Grenadiers of theBelgian Army until 1908.[13] After that year the fur headdress was retained only for parade wear until the outbreak of war in August 1914.[14] Its successor unit, theRegiment Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers uses the headdress as a part of its ceremonial dress.
The bearskin caps used by theCanadian Armed Forces are of black fur and include a coloured plume on the side of the bearskin and a gold-coloured chin strap.[15] The materials used by Canadian bearskin caps are sourced fromblack bears hunted in Canada, although theDepartment of National Defence claims that the bearskin caps used by its units are made from bear furs that are over 20 years old.[16]
The Canadian Forces Dress Instructions authorise the use of bearskins for all its foot guards andfusilier regiments.[15] In addition to foot guards and fusiliers, twoline infantry regiments are also authorised to wear a bearskin cap with their ceremonial full-dress uniform: theRoyal 22e Régiment (R22eR) and theRoyal Regiment of Canada (RRegtC).[15] Usage of the bearskin cap by the R22eR is attributed to its historical regimental alliance with the British Army'sRoyal Welch Fusiliers,[17] while the use of bearskins by the RRegtC is attributed to the regiment's historical lineage fromThe Royal Grenadiers of theCanadian Militia.[18]
Bearskins used by fusilier regiments and the R22eR have their unit's cap badge at the front of the bearskin, while those of foot guards and the RRegtC do not have cap badges.[15]
The following is a list of regiments whose members are authorised to wear a bearskin cap with theirfull dress uniform, along with the colour used on the unit's plume:
In addition to these units, thedrum major of theRoyal Highland Fusiliers of Canada's pipe band are also authorised to wear the bearskin.[15]
The headgear was first adopted by theRoyal Danish Army'sRoyal Life Guards in 1805.[21][22] The Royal Life Guards typically wear bearskin caps as a part of their uniform when performingpublic duties like atAmalienborg. However, on exceptionally warm days, they will be authorised to wear an alternative headgear to mitigate discomfort and prevent overheating.[23]
The bearskin caps used by the Royal Life Guards are manufactured by Rützou saddlery at a workshop based inTaastrup. Rützou purchases its raw materials from a fur company based inGlostrup, which sources its furs from black bears in Canada. After the furs are acquired by Rützou, they are sent abroad to be dyed and tanned before they are returned to Rützou for processing and adaptation. The bearskin cap weighs approximately 2 kilograms (4.4 lb).[24] Its fur is dyed jet black and its fur is at least 8 centimetres (3.1 in) in length.[24][25]
The Royal Life Guards have approximately 600 to 700 bearskin caps in total. Given the limited number of bearskin caps, each headgear is used by approximately three different individuals each year. The bearskin caps last approximately 25 years with regular servicing and repairs, with the Royal Life Guards only ordering a limited number of new bearskins to replace worn-out caps.[24]
The1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna" and2nd Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna" of theItalian Army wear bearskin caps as a part of their ceremonial uniform. During the 19th century, the cost and maintenance of the bearskin cap resulted in the headgear's limited use for only specific occasions, until the unit discontinued its use altogether. However, in the 20th century, the units reintroduced the bearskin cap as a part of their ceremonial uniform.[7] The bearskin caps used in the Italian military were once made out of real fur, although they later switched to synthetic materials.[3]
Members of theKenya Army Band in theKenya Defence Forces wear bearskin hats made out of synthetic fibres as a part of their full dress uniform.[3][26]
The grenadier component of theGrenadiers' and Rifles Guard Regiment wears a bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial uniform.[11][27] The unit was formed in 1995 through a merger of the Garderegiment Grenadiers and the Garderegiment Jagers.[28] Although the two units were amalgamated, itsjäger component does not wear bearskin caps, and its use is limited to only its grenadier component.[27]
Bearskin caps in theNetherlands Armed Forces originated frommitre caps adorned with a metal front plate badge, used by Protestant grenadier units.[2] Bearskin caps were adopted by the Garderegiment Grenadiers in 1829.[2][27] However, the unit ceased using the headgear in 1843.[29]
The unit readopted the 1829 bearskin cap design for use as a part of its ceremonial uniform during the inauguration ofJuliana of the Netherlands in 1948. However, as opposed to bear fur, the caps were made out of the black-haired Chinese fur goats purchased in the United Kingdom. In 1970, the unit replaced its bearskin caps with ones made out of artificial fur.[2] Use of the ceremonial uniform and the bearskin cap continued by the grenadiers after the unit was amalgamated with the Garderegiment Jagers.[27]
The bearskin cap used by the unit features a copper front plate shaped like a half-sun. A white plume is attached to the left of the bearskin cap, although the cap used by the unit's commander will feature a unique plume to indicate rank.[2] An orangecockade is also placed on the left. The front of the cap also equipped with a black leather visor. Drummers of the unit's military band wear bearskins adorned with a white cotton tassel positioned at the center of the cap's front, while theirsousaphonists do not have a white plume on their bearskins.[30]
The ceremonial uniforms worn by one company from the1st King's Immemorial Infantry Regiment includes a bearskin cap.[citation needed]
The military band of theSri Lanka Artillery wear a black bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial uniform.[31]
The parade uniforms used by the grenadier component of theSwedish Army'sLife Guards, known as model 1886, includes a bearskin cap.[32]
The bearskin cap, known as model 1823,[3] was once made out of real bearskin, although they have switched to using synthetic materials.[32] The bearskin cap includes a front plate that depicts thecoat of arms of Sweden and a white feather plume. Bearskins worn by officers will also include a yellow cockade and gold or silver cord. Bearskins worn by enlisted soldiers will include a red cockade and a white cord. The feathered plume is located on the left side of the headgear, with the cockade threaded into the wooden shaft of the plume. The cord is attached to the bearskin cap by a hook on the right side of the headgear.[33]
Use of the bearskin cap was adopted by all Foot Guards, and several other regiments, including theRoyal Scots Greys and its successor unit, theRoyal Scots Dragoon Guards.[1] Drum majors of fusilier regiments will also generally wear a bearskin or artificial bearskin cap.[34]
British bearskin caps were a form of headdress that evolved frommitre caps worn in the 18th century by grenadiers.[1] In 1768, the long cloth caps worn by grenadiers were discontinued, and bearskin caps were introduced.[35] Following the Battle of Waterloo, all members of the newly namedGrenadier Guards were permitted to wear the bearskin.[36] This privilege had previously been restricted to the grenadier company of the regiment.[37] In 1831, this distinction was extended to the other two regiments of foot guards (Coldstream andScots) in existence at that date.[38] Bearskins were subsequently adopted by theIrish Guards and theWelsh Guards when raised in 1900 and 1915 respectively.[39]
The standard bearskin for the British foot guards is 11 inches (280 millimetres) tall at the front, 16 inches (410 millimetres) to the rear, weighs 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilograms), and is made from the fur of the Canadian black bear.[40] An officer's bearskin is made from the fur of the Canadianbrown bear, as the female brown bear has thicker, fuller fur; officers' caps are dyed black. An entire skin is used for each headdress.[41] The British Army purchased the caps from a British hatmaker which sources its pelts at an international auction. The hatmakers purchase between 50 and 100 black bear skins each year at a cost of about £650 each.[42]
On 3 August 1888,The New York Times reported that bearskin caps might be phased out because of a shortage of bear skins. The article stated that, at that time, bearskin hats cost £7–5s each (about 35 contemporary US dollars;[43] £600 in 2007 pounds)[44] and noted "it can readily be seen what a price has to be paid for keeping up a custom which is rather old, it is true, but is practically a useless one save for the purpose of military display."[45]
In 2005, theMinistry of Defence began a two-year test of artificial fur for the hats. The army has already replaced beaverskin caps and leopard skins, worn by some of its soldiers, with artificial materials.[46] However, in 2020, the Ministry of Defence stated that it could not find a bearskin cap made out of alternative materials that matches the "natural properties of bear fur", and claimed that artificial fur failed to meet four of its five requirements.[3][47] The claim has been disputed by thePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who filed for judicial review of the Ministry of Defence's decision in 2022, claiming that the ministry had failed to adhere to its procedures and that artificial fur meets and, in some cases, exceeds its requirements.[47]
Between 2017 and 2022, the Ministry of Defence purchased 498 bearskin caps for use by its units.[16] From 2013 to 2023, the Ministry of Defence spent more than £1 million on bearskins. The cost of bearskins increased from £1,560 each in 2022 to £2,040 in 2023, with the Ministry purchasing 13 bearskins in 2022 and 24 in 2023.[48]
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Drum majors in military bands maintained by theUnited States Air Force, theUnited States Army, theUnited States Coast Guard, theUnited States Marine Corps, and theUnited States Navy are authorised to wear bearskins.[49][50][51][52][53] However, drum majors in the United States Army only wear bearskin caps for a "handful of assignments", while the wearing of bearskins by drum majors in United States Air Force bands is optional.[49][50]
Drum majors of theUnited States Marine Corps Band began to wear bearskins in 1859.[54] The bearskins worn by drum majors in the United States Marine Corps Band are made from real black bear fur sourced from Canada, and are styled after the bearskin caps worn by British officers.[55] The bearskins worn byUnited States Army Band drum majors are also styled after European patterns and were initially made from real bear fur, although the Army later switched to using synthetic materials after it faced objections from environmentalists for using real fur.[56]
TheSecond Company Governor's Foot Guard of the Connecticut State Guardstate defence force wears a bearskin cap as a part of their ceremonial uniform.[3]
TheUruguayan Army's "Company of Sappers 1837" uses the bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial uniform as the protocolar guard of theJudicial Branch of Uruguay.[57][better source needed] The Company holds a parade when a new supreme court justice is sworn in.[58]
Criticism over the use of the headdress emerged during the late 20th and 21st centuries, ranging from cost concerns,[48] ethicality, and practicality.
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Several politicians have voiced their opposition to using the headgear due to its use of real bear furs. In 1997, the BritishMinister for Defence ProcurementLord Gilbert said that he wanted to see bearskins phased out as soon as possible due to ethical concerns.[59] Similar sentiments were made in March 2005 by British Labour MPChris Mullin, who called for an immediate ban on bearskins stating that they "have no military significance and involve unnecessary cruelty."[60] In 2023, theEuropean Commission's representative to Denmark launched a social media campaign advocating for the replacement of the bearskin caps used by the Danish Royal Life Guards with an artificial alternative, given the bear's protected status within theEuropean Union.[61]
Animal rights group PETA has publicly voiced its opposition against the use of real bearskin since 2002,[47] and has held demonstrations against its use in the United Kingdom, including one at St Peter's Hill, nearSt Paul's Cathedral, in 2006.[62] In February 2011,Joss Stone appeared in a PETA advert targeting the British Ministry of Defence, showing the 23-year-old soul singer holding a teddy bear that covers her naked body, and features the slogan 'Bear Hugs, Not Bear Caps'.[63]
In January 2024, PETA launched a campaign against the use of real bearskin by the British and Canadian militaries and has called on both British and Canadian defence ministries to retire the headgear in favour of humane headgear sold by luxury faux furrier ECOPEL.[16] PETA's claims that the raw materials used to make the headgear is sourced fromhunting bears with bait in Canada.[16] However, the British Ministry of Defence asserts that the furs come from "legal and licensed" hunts within a "regulated Canadian market".[48] The manufacturer of bearskin caps for the Danish Royal Life Guards, who also source their furs from Canada, argues the bear culling is necessary for population control and is conducted under the supervision of biologists with approval from theWorld Wildlife Fund.[24]
In 2023, a commentator forThe New York Times questioned the use of the headdress after three members of the BritishBands of the Household Division fainted during a rehearsal while in full dress uniform wearing woollen uniform and a bearskin, remarking how it was "soldiering on in our old, wrong clothes" in the light ofclimate change.[64]
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Abusby is a furred cap that was historically worn byhussars, and remains in use as a part of the ceremonial uniforms for British and Canadian hussar units.[15][1][65] In addition to hussars, the busby also forms a part of the ceremonial uniforms for British and Canadian artillery units and selectrifle regiments.[15][1][65] Other units that wear the busby as a part of their uniforms include the BritishRoyal Corps of Signals andRoyal Engineers, the DutchRoyal Marechaussee, and theFirst Company Governor's Foot Guard of the Connecticut State Militia.[1][66][67]
A sealskin cap is another furred cap similar to the bearskin cap, that is worn by the British Army'sRoyal Regiment of Fusiliers.[68]
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Several units in theKing's Guard of theRoyal Thai Armed Forces wearpith helmets with heavy plumes that broadly resemble a bearskin cap as a part of their ceremonial full dress uniform. The colours of the plumes vary depending on the units of the wearers.
The majority of the units authorised to wear the bearskin cap are from theRoyal Thai Army andRoyal Thai Air Force, although twoRoyal Thai Marine Corps battalions are also entitled to wear the headdress. In addition, theRoyal Security Command's two guards regiments wear pith helmets with black plumes as their full dress headdress.
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