Busby Hat

By Crusader1307

The Busby Hat is a style of litany Headgear, often confused and misidentified with The “Bearskin” Hat. The Hat itself was originally developed by Hungary for it’s Hussar Cavalry Regiments, in the 17th-18th Centuries. The Hat was known as The “Kucsma”. Made of different animal furs, they were much shorter than The Bearskin Hat. The Kucsma featured a flatter and broader Crown. They were dyed Black and featured various adornments, including Feather plumes. England developed a version with was named The “Busby”. Although there are various stories concerning “how” the name was chosen, it was mostly likely a Military Hat manufacturer named “W. Busby” of London, England in the early 19th Century. The Busby Hat too was used by English Hussars. A feature incorporated with The English Version was the addition of a cloth “Bag” attached to the Right side of The Hat. Rolled up to the Crown and hooked onto place, it was rolled down to a space of 2-feet over the shoulder. Thus “Bag” served to protect the Arm from Enemy Sabre slashes. Many other Countries adopted The Busby as well. Still used in many Ceremonial Units of various Armies, The Busby Hat is an excellent example of the long gone and “romantic” Age of Cavalry.