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A proper good reproduction of the WW2 era Finnish M36 field cap, also known as the "verikauha" or "blood ladle". A surprisingly functional design, especially for its age, and not too shabby looking either. Made from high quality wool frieze with Finnish Lion emblem buttons.
A little bit of history
The Finnish "verikauha" (= blood ladle, no one really knows where the name comes from) is as old as Finland itself. This style of caps were first widely issued in the First World War to German and Austro-Hungarian mountain troops. The design was brought to Finland in 1918 by Finnish Jägers returning from training in Germany. From there on it was the go-to field cap design for "White" troops during the Finnish Civil War.
After the Civil War the "verikauha" became the official piece of headwear for Finnish troops. It was used through WW2 up to the 21st century with a number of different variants evolving throughout the decades.
High quality wool blend
80% wool and 20% polyamide with cotton lining. Polyamide is added to the wool blend to provide strength - these will probably serve longer than originals. However the blend works just like wool should, i.e. it's breathable, warm and all that good stuff, just a bit stronger.
Sizing
Sized according to the wearers head circumference in centimetres. The fit is "normal", not tight nor loose.
Varusteleka Särmä
Särmä is our own brand of clothing and equipment. When you buy Särmä you get purpose-built stuff at a decent price, something that will fill its intended role well and not cost you an arm and a leg!
Särmä products are covered by a 12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For further information please read our detailed warranty guide.
Sewn in Estonia.
Reviews
18 ratings
Score distribution
recommends
The added bonus is the piece of history you carry around on your head, and the conversations you will have wearing it. I definitely got a lot of stares wearing it around Germany, and met alot of people, and made some good friends even. I think they mistook it as a German M43.
Cons: It can get too warm if you live in a warmer place. I don't, but I have and I still wear it anyways.
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CancelI would recommend that you pick your actual size, and not to go down one size. I've tried both size 60 and 61 (I'm a size 61) and size 61 fits me perfectly.
I only wear it out in the woods and mountains as that is where it belongs, I don't think it particularly fits the urban look.
Over all it is probably the best repro of the M36 out there, as most made elsewhere look poorly made and overall not that nice. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for that classy look while going on hikes, and anyone who likes these kind of caps.
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CancelGerman made, so you know it will be good quality...and, as expected, no concerns there. The small maker label was very easily removed...and as easily I also added the blue & white cockade...
BUT
If you study the period photos, all the caps in use look like a T34 tank has driven over them prior to use. (Having it happen while IN use would not be the best way to achieve a custom fit...)
So, as soon as I got the cap & tried it for fit - I take a 59 & this size was perfect - I then had to give the cap some "age". How to do this?
I just wore it all day for several months, as I work alone = no problem. It quickly lost the "new" edge & took on a more WW2 appearance.
Very very happy with this purchase, I only wish I'd also taken the plunge with the M36 summer blouse & the cotton M36 cap (Lotta Svard type) when they were available!
TO ADD
Just fitted the cap with a leather headband/sweatband. Makes it appear more like some of the genuine WW2 caps, plus makes the fit a little more snug. IF you wanted to do a similar modification it may be better to go a size up from your normal fitting....as the fit becomes a little more snug = ideal for colder weather as next to zero movement.
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CancelIt's a little expensive for a cap, but it's worth it. The quality is there, the fit is great, and the look is great.The bill is unstructured, so you can ball it up and stuff it anywhere. And it's a piece of history! I'm not Finnish (not even a little) but it's a classic look that says 'winter? you call this winter?'
Varusteleka, you've done it again.
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CancelMuistuttaa päässä hieman kokkihattua.
Mutta kai tämä keskiverto reprosta menee.
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Cancel----FR---- Une de mes meilleures acquisitions de chez Verusteleka. Repro de bonne qualité. J’ignore si cette casquette est 100% fidèle à une originale, elle n’en demeure pas moins raffinée. Les boutons sont particulièrement biens réalisés. Parfait pour les sorties en plein-air et congrue pour les saisons froides. Chaude et confortable en prime, une fière allure de baroudeur. Je recommande vivement l’ajout d’une cocarde finlandaise pour accentuer son apparence singulière. Pour un usage urbain, ce n’est peut-être pas la meilleure parure pour passer inaperçu, mais ça reste « portable » en dépit de son originalité.
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CancelIt is a very warm cap. Very good looking too.
Perhaps the bill is a little softer than I expected.
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CancelI measure up to a size 59.5, so the size 59 is just a touch snug while the size 60 is just a touch loose, so I suppose that if you fall in between sizes you should pick whichever kind of fit you prefer.
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CancelThis hat is the best hat i have ever owned. Tight fitting, comfortable, and warm, this hat is perfect for any condition. I i live in Georgia, United States, even in the Georgia heat, this hat is perfect.
When i got it, i had to stretch it out a little bit because it was one Cm too small. That was no problem, and after that i sewed in my name and blood type into the leather trim inside the hat. i like to put small things up in the fold between the hat itself and the part that folds down over the ears. it is great for holding a flashlight or an array of small tools for projects. I wear it when i am blacksmithing because it is perfect to keep the sweat and hair out of my eyes. No matter how much i wear it, it never starts to stink!
I often get mistaken for a Confederate soldier but being in the south nobody bats an eye even when i tell them its a Finnish army cap.
I put my own Insignia on it but i really want to get the Finnish Lion badge for it. Sometimes I'll wear it with a "Buddy" Poppy for remembrance. But still, no matter what you put on this hat, it will always look great.
20/10
Now that this hat has been removed from the website, i recommend the Sarma version because, Hell, if anything, it will be better than the original.
With Varusteleka, you always get more than you pay for
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