Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a fantastic Imperial German Hussar's Busby or Pelzmütze (Fur Cap), intended for officers. Busby is of course the English name for the Hungarian prémes csákó ("fur shako") or kucsma, a military head-dress made of fur, originally worn by Hungarian hussars. In its original Hungarian form the busby was a cylindrical fur cap, having a bag of colored cloth hanging from the top. The end of this bag was attached to the right shoulder as a defense against sabre cuts.

After this time the size and design were scaled down, and they became much more for looks than for actual protection. This example is very similar to the British Busby used by Hussars, but is definitely German. The exterior bearskin wrap shows it's 100+ year age and the helmet comes with its red slouch bag hanging over the left ear. On the front is a banner helmet crowned WR / I monogram plate, for the 7th (1st Rhenish) Hussar Regiment, "King William I". Under this is a banner bearing the Prussian Motto MIT GOTT FÜR KÖNIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia) on it. The busby comes complete with its convex brass chins cales and leather chinstrap, indicating Commissioned Officer issue, still attached to the side lugs.

In 1897 the new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of headwear, around the chinstrap lug (present). As the busby and Tschako have the state colors on the top of the helmet, they did not have to move it from the right to left lug.

The interior has a simple leather liner on the interior, which shows light wear. Overall condition is very good, considering the age, though there is definitely light wear to the fur exterior and the bag is somewhat faded on the top side. The internal bamboo structure is solid, and the helmet does not show any deformation.

Extraordinary that before 1914 Cavalrymen actually wore these into battle but by 1918 every soldier had been issued with a STEEL HELMET and horses were largely made redundant with the use of Motor Transport. Representing the very last of the "Pomp and Circumstance" of Military uniforms, this still conveys a sense of Romance. Ready to display!

The 7th (1st Rhenish) Hussars "King William I" were part of the 15th Division, VIII Corps pre-war, and part of the 15th Division, VIII Corps during WWI.