Cockades are some of the most important methods of identification on the chaotic battlefield of the Great Patriotic War. Many reenactors go by with incorrect, historically accurate and even fantasy cockades. This article will allow for reenactors to identify wartime models, along with the many different paint schemes and styles of cockades that were used by troops of the Red Army from 41-45.
There are 3 common sizes seen with cockades, which are split into 3 sub-groups.
37mm: For use with Generals and Senior Commanders of the RKKA, sometimes seen with use for lower ranks
34mm: Most common cockade for Budenovki and Furazhki, sometimes seen on Pilotki
24mm: Smallest size, for use with Pilotki
All enamel cockades of the wartime period are manufactured from bi-metal, a sort of alloy which contains a percentage of iron, meaning that all original cockades are magnetic.
Pre-war, wartime and post-war cockades utilize two different types of attachment systems, commonly referred to as ‘Clasps, or ‘Prongs’, shown below are images of the two different variants. The “T” mounted clasps spanned pre and post-war, while the “U” clasps are general indications of a post-war star. Enamel cockades were also produced during the war, out of any materials on hand, so be aware that if a cockade looks “bad”, then it could simply be a wartime production! Each cockade section will have examples of wartime-produced enamel examples.
The process of creating ‘hot enamel’ is rather tedious, usually requiring skilled jewellers or enamellers. A powder, created from a mixture of powdered and coloured glass (in our case, red-coloured), is applied to a mould or a shaped surface and is then heated up to 1500°F. This melts the powder into the red glass, which fills in the empty star mould. The result leaves a glass material in the desired colour or clarity.
Cold enamel, as opposed to hot enamel, is a red lacquer applied directly onto the surface of a piece of insignia, resulting in a thin and cheap red paint-like coating. Cold enamel replaced hot enamel around the 60s to save money on the production of insignia in the Soviet Army. The most common use of cold enamel is in civilian and military badges of the late Soviet period. Soviet reenactors often unknowingly use cold enamel cockades in place of the correct hot enamel ones.
The Obr.36 commander’s cockade measures 37mm from ray to ray with a tolerance of 1mm and is made from two pieces. When released in 1936, they were originally intended for use by Generals and Senior Commanders of the RKKA, however, they sometimes trickled down into the hands of Junior Officers and even some NCOs, mainly on their Budenovki. Pre-war examples are rare, and fetch high prices if complete and in good condition. Wartime examples are non-existent, as production of the two-piece Obr.36 37mm was halted in 1939. The best reproductions of these are available from Denis Kuparinen on Facebook, with his St. Pete reproductions.
Measuring 34mm from tip to tip, these were the most commonly observed enamel star cockades in use by the Red Army. Much like the 37mm, they are also manufactured from two separate pieces and have a high-quality hot-baked enamel finish. They were worn on most if not all pieces of headgear of the RKKA pre-war and early into the war, with them being seen mostly on Furazhki, Budenovki, and Pilotki. There are two variants of this cockade with one being a smooth Hammer and Sickle. The reason for this variation is unknown however both are period correct.
The best reproductions of these are available from Denis Kuparinen on Facebook, with his St. Pete reproductions. Voin examples are passable.
The Pilotka cockade is arguably the most glossed-over aspect of a reenactor’s impression. There are technically 3 variants of Pilotki cockades that are good to use. These being: Obr.36 24mm, Obr.39 24mm, and Field ‘41’ 24mm. The example shown below is an Obr.36 pre-war 24mm, identified by the high-quality enamel and the ‘deep slopes’ of the arms of the star. They are also much thicker than an Obr.39 enamel star. Original post-war examples pop up often and are very close to wartime pieces.
St. Pete and Voin examples are good. Original post-war examples pop up from time to time and are very close to wartime pieces.
The Obr.39 Commander’s Cockade was a cheaper alternative to the Obr.36, switching from a two-piece design to a one-piece design to cut back on the high costs of the 36. Pre-war examples of this cockade are rather rare, however wartime-produced pieces are common and run for fairly cheap.
The Obr.39 34mm is a rather rare cockade to come across. They were also designed to replace the Obr.36 two-piece due to high manufacturing costs. They weren’t produced in any large quantity, and are rather uncommon to find on the market. A good substitute for these pieces is Obr.47 cockades, which are post-war models designed to be produced in a very similar way.
Obr.39 34mm. The enamel is ‘muddier’ and is not as transparent, having a ‘higher quality’ look to it. The clasp attachment system is in a “T” rather than a “U”. Clasps are cut off at the ends.
Obr.47. Clearer enamel, and has a unique ‘sparkle’ to it. “U” variation clasps with squared-off tips. There are more internal rays in the enamel, and they lack depth compared to the Obr.39. Original Obr.47 cockades are good substitutes, it is unknown who makes reproductions of this cockade.
Left: Obr.39 34mm. The enamel is ‘muddier’ and is not as transparent, having a ‘higher quality’ look to it. The clasp attachment system is in a “T” rather than a “U”. Clasps are cut off at the ends. Right: Obr.47. Clearer enamel, and has a unique ‘sparkle’ to it. “U” variation clasps with squared-off tips. There are more internal rays in the enamel, and they lack depth compared to the Obr.39. Original Obr.47 cockades are good substitutes, it is unknown who makes reproductions of this cockade.
The Obr.39 Pilotka cockade is much easier to find on the market than an Obr.36 Pilotka cockade, because these examples were produced post-war until the 60s. Wartime and post-war ones differ in enamel quality and construction, however remain relatively the same. They are much thinner than the Obr.36, and the rays of the star don’t slope as much. They are easily available online and from other reenactors, reproductions are made but originals are much higher in quality.
Before beginning this section, it is important to note that there were mainly 2 types of wartime field cockades, a 37mm Star for use with Ushankas and field Furazhkas, and a 24mm Star for use with Pilotki. 34mm Stars are rather rare and were produced in limited numbers. It is advised for use against them as the other two previously mentioned types are the main types observed. Due to the war, size tolerance, and quality control weren’t upheld to the same pre-war standard so stars vary in size and quality.
The wartime 37mm Star was used by all troops for Ushanki and field Furazhki. They came in many different colours and shapes, as can be seen above. Manufacturing quality varied heavily due to wartime conditions, and in some cases near the end of the war, some stars were painted with captured German Luftwaffe paint. They were made in huge quantities, meaning originals are widely available and are cheap. Reproductions are made and can be used, however originals are still preferred. They were manufactured post-war, however there is not much difference between wartime and post-war variants.
Much like the 37mm variant, field cockades painted in a ‘protective’ colour began to appear around 1941. Manufacturing quality and paint colour also varied due to wartime conditions, resulting in a wide variety of styles observed during the war. Correct types are ‘sew-on’ and ‘pin-in’ variants, with sew-on being recommended due to their sturdiness and the smaller chance of it snapping off while in or around camp. A big reenactorism is using post-war subdued cockades as wartime, and the difference is fairly major. Mind you these ‘incorrect’ subdued cockades were produced from the 50s until 1991.
Two incorrect types of field cockades are shown below.
The top piece is a post-war field cockade, they are identified with their deep, dark green paint, their higher manufacturing quality (in comparison with wartime pieces) and their detail. They should be avoided where possible, as they visibly stand out against original pieces. The bottom piece is an ‘enamel’ field star, of which a larger 34mm variant also exists. These stars should not be used at all as they were never released for military use, being manufactured sometime in the 1950s and locked away in a military storage warehouse. After the collapse of the USSR, these found their way onto the collector and reenactor markets.
While in the field, many cockades of soldiers broke off or were damaged in some way or another, and replacements were somewhat difficult to obtain at points. This left soldiers to make their styles of cockades to better identify each other while in the field. These stars were made from a variety of materials, varying from tin to aluminum and steel. They were often crudely made, sometimes pressed, and other times cut out from materials. Some were even ‘forged’ by melting aluminum and pouring them into a cast.
The use of this type of cockade is discouraged, as they weren’t commonly seen in use. Originals very rarely appear on the Western market, they have to be hand-made.
