Bavarian Mystery Schirmmütze.....

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

Does anyone know what this blue Crusher was meant for? Obviously not for the regular Blue tunic.... Could it be for the litewka?

 

Thanks

Chris

[dante]

Equestrian?

[Bayern]

A gentleman rider cap for a cavalry officer of the 1st or 2nd Heavy cavalry Regiments . make a proof , take the weight of this cap and that of a common one and compare both . if the crusher is lighter possibly is destined to equestrian competition 

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi Guys,

it is indeed much lighter than a regular one. You can literally fold it into your pocket.

The seller was sneaky, he did not mention the color in the description, and in the photos it looked Field Grey!!

I suppose if I find a cavalry collector I may be able to trade it...

Best

Chris

[Chris Boonzaier]

Here is a question..... I have seen photos of prewar excercises with infantry officers on horseback.... when they arrived at the evening bivouak, would they have worn a stiff cap? Then this photo of officers with litewka on the range.... also lower brimmed caps?

[Bayern]

Hello : Officers normally have a soldier as ordonnanz .this assistent has many functions one to care of his boss uniforms and equipment inclusive carryng to the field and bivouak the undress uniforms . 

[Chris Boonzaier]

Indeed, but would they have worn a stiff Schirmmütze in the field, or a more floppy one?

And secondly, was a Reitmütze only for mounted Cavalry officers, or for all officers mounted on a horse (Infantry, Artillery etc.)

Best

Chris

[Bayern]

Hello : The service schirmmutze worn in the field was usually a stiffened one but with only the front corset whale piece into the crown . and of course the wire ring . The Reitmutze althoug mainly a Cavalry item , was not forbidden to the other officers which in essence were considered fellow gentlemen accostumed to the practice of equestrian sports . naturally , the officers of Artillery were more close to the riders ,

[Chris Boonzaier]

I think I may have found it in the prewar Infantry Photo.....

Check out the senior NCOs.... They are wearing Blue Tunics... but the guy in the middle does not have a stiffened cap.....

[Bayern]

Hello ,Thats is true, the man is a NCO, a Sergeant or perhaps a Vizefeldwebel .surely he  owned two caps ,one for formal ocasions and other,well worn ,for daily use