WW1 GERMAN UHLANS (LANCERS/CAVALRY) METAL OR TIN TSCHAPKA
Background
Like the German Army at the start of WW1 who wore the traditional spike helmet (Pickelhaube), the German Cavalry units also known as the Uhlans or Lancers wore a helmet called the Tschapka. Both these helmets were made of hardened leather and failed miserably in protecting the wearer. Later in the war the supply of leather was running out and the German Army issued what is known as Erzatz (emergency) helmets which were made from various materials such as hardened felt and pressed composite materials, they also started issuing helmets out of metal or tin later in the war the traditional steel combat helmet was issued.
Description
This helmet is made from steel or tin and remains in remarkable condition. Late war Grey fittings, nice liner and dated 1917 to the interior. This helmet displays a cockade on each side however all Lancer units only wore one cockade, for whatever reason it is unknown to me. Small size. Uhlan or Lancer helmets are rare to find and are highly collectable and the all steel or tin helmets are even rarer to find, I have seen examples for well over $US 2000 on international websites, this helmets presents value at $AU1650.