Busby (military headdress)

Busby and plume (AM 741652-1)

Busby is a type of military headdress that has been widely used by various regiments in the armed forces of different nations. It is most commonly associated with the hussar regiments of the 19th century but continues to be used by certain units to this day. The busby is typically made of fur, often bearskin or faux fur, and is characterized by its tall, cylindrical shape. It serves both a ceremonial and practical purpose, being part of the traditional uniform for various ceremonial occasions.

History

The origins of the busby can be traced back to the 18th century, where it was initially adopted by Hungarian hussars. The headdress quickly gained popularity among light cavalry units across Europe, including those in Britain, Russia, and Prussia. Its design was intended to add height and presence to the wearer, making them appear more intimidating on the battlefield.

Design and Features

A typical busby includes a plume, which is often colored to signify the regiment or unit. The body of the busby is made from fur, with a cloth top that sometimes includes a regimental badge or insignia. The inside is usually lined for comfort, and a chin strap made of leather or metal chain is used to secure the headdress.

Usage

While the busby is most closely associated with hussar regiments, it has also been adopted by other types of units, including some artillery and engineer regiments. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Horse Guards and the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery are notable for their use of the busby in ceremonial duties.

Modern Day

Today, the busby is primarily seen during ceremonial events, such as Trooping the Colour, and other state occasions. Its use is largely symbolic, serving as a link to the military traditions and history of a regiment.

Variations

There are several variations of the busby across different countries and regiments. For example, the Russian military version is known as a kolpak, and tends to be made from black lamb's wool. The British Army's busbies are traditionally made from Canadian black bear fur.

In Popular Culture

The distinctive appearance of the busby has made it a recognizable symbol of military pageantry. It often appears in media and literature when depicting historical or ceremonial military scenes.

See Also

• Bearskin
• Shako
• Military uniform
• Hussar