Further to my last posting, concerning the Cossack's breast-pocket-carried ammunition, - the Bravery Award worn by this Cossack appears to be either the Order of St. George, 4th Class [a white enamelled Cross worn as a breast badge] - or The Cross of Saint George, either 3rd or 4th Class [ a silver cross worn as a breast badge]. on ribbons of the Romanov House Colours. The most likely, - because of the numbers awarded - is the latter - associated with the most-prestigious Order of Saint George, but for enlisted men and NCO's, the Cross of Saint George came in 4 classes. Like the Order of St. George, the St. George Cross was awarded for acts of distinction under arms. An enlisted man or NCO would be awarded the 4th Class Cross for his first brave act. A second notable act could then bring him the 3rd Class Cross, etc. The first class and second class were in gold, the first class with a bow on the ribbon. The third and fourth classes were in silver, the third class marked by a bow. The ribbon was the same as for the Order of Saint George, black stripes upon an orange ground ; - the Colours of the House of Romanov I hope this info. will be of interest to someone on the List. Regards, J.W. E House <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: ----- Original Message ----- From: "Saragrace Knauf" << Anyone have a clue what the cartridge like things are on some of the men's costume? - http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/empire/images/p87_7010__01477_.jpg >>
Do you mean the pleats, or the shells? =} I'm pretty sure they are actually wearing amunition--I'd guess this guy is a cossack, known for their military prowess. Those things look like muzzle-loading paper cartridges: http://cartridgecollectors.org/slics2006/whitworth.jpg http://www.horsesoldier.com/catalog/c0034.html or much less likely, cleaner bullets: http://www.fototime.com/F3B7ACC989A3679/orig.jpg They would have been a good 50 years or so out of date at the time of this photo, but still used in areas like this. -E House _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
