The Polish Czapka (literally “cap”) started life as a simple, square-topped vari
The Polish Czapka (literally “cap”) started life as a simple, square-topped variation on the shako. Then, as Polish lancer tactics acquitted themselves on the field of battle in the late 18th century, they (along with said cavalry formations) found themselves in use in armies the world over. Once they spread across Europe, they became more and more elaborate. During the 19th century, as leather and metal helmets began to replace the shako in cavalry combat dress, the czapka slowly became a blend of a helmet and shako. By the first World War, the czapka’s square top and plume was as elaborately decorated as it was vestigial. Much like horse cavalry itself would soon prove. -- source link
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