3a russian soldier with officers rifle ??s?a?k Cossack?
8a musical items octet performed for money once piece/??/?eight (p?e?e/??/?e?g?t is actually what I have already. Thought it was pieces of eight but clue says 5/2/6
Margo, are sure it is not 6/2/5 which would fit with your original thought of pieces of eight. The clue does say musical items which would indicate pieces.
Piece if eight does not fit clue says 5/2/6
If it helps 3d top protects large leafy plant c???er ( Middle of which links in with second letter of the 2 in previous clue