How Much Is A Bearskin Jacket
Bears are most famously known for the tall fur caps worn by elite Guards in the UK and Canada a striking symbol of ceremonial prestige and tradition. But just how much does a bearskin jacket or rather, a bearskin cap cost? The answer involves centuries of craftsmanship, international trade, and modern regulations. Prices have historically been steep and continue to reflect the rarity of the material and ceremonial value.
What Is a Bearskin?
Ceremonial Fur Hat
Despite the name, a bearskin is not a full-body jacket it’s a tall headpiece made from black bear fur. Originating with 17th and 18th-century grenadiers, it was later adopted by guards units after battles like Waterloo. By the 20th and 21st centuries, bearskins are worn exclusively for parade and ceremonial use
Design and Weight
The classic bearskin stands about 11 inches tall at the front and up to 16 inches at the back, weighing approximately 2 kg. Each requires a full bear pelt, making the manufacturing process both costly and exclusive
Historical Prices
Late 19th Century
In 1888, a New York Times topic reported bearskin caps cost around £7¯5s about US$35 at the time, equivalent to roughly £600 in today’s money
Mid-20th Century to Today
The cost has continued to rise. A single bearskin purchased by the British Ministry of Defence costs between £1,560 and £2,040 each in recent years
Why Are Bearskins So Expensive?
Material Rarity
Bear pelts come from legally and sustainably hunted Canadian black bears. Only the finest furs, typically from older males, are suitable for the tall hats worn by guards
Labor-Intensive Craftsmanship
Each bearskin is handcrafted, shaped onto a hard felt base, and finished with brass hardware and chin chains. The conservation and tailoring effort means a long lifespan typically 25 years with regular servicing
Tradition and Ceremony
Bears are more than accessories they’re symbols of military honor and national pride. The expense reflects their ceremonial importance within elite units like the Grenadier, Coldstream, and Irish Guards
Cost Breakdown and Annual Spending
- Unit cost: £1,560-£2,040 per bearskin in 2022-2023
- Annual purchases: 24 in 2023, 13 in 2022
- Yearly total: around £50,000 on new bearskins alone
- Unit lifespan: ~25 years with proper care
Debates Around Ethics and Cost
Ethical Concerns
Animal welfare groups like PETA have criticized the use of real bear fur in military dress. Legal, licensed hunts supply the fur, but advocates argue for faux alternatives
Cost Scrutiny
Parliamentarians have questioned the necessity and expense of maintaining bearskins. Despite trials with synthetic materials, the Ministry of Defence reported that no artificial fur yet matched the natural product’s qualities
So, how much is a bearskin? A purely ceremonial bearskin cap costs between £1,560 and £2,040 today. With annual government spending reaching tens of thousands of pounds and each bearskin lasting over two decades, the investment underscores both tradition and craftsmanship. For collectors or historical reenactors seeking replicas, costs can vary, but an authentic military bearskin remains a rare and expensive treasure steeped in legacy and ceremony.
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