Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce Imperial German WWI Model 1914 Prussian (Preußen) issued Mannschaften (Other Ranks) Ersatz Tschapka, of the pattern worn by Uhlan Line Regiments Nr. 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Manufactured in 1915 by A. Wunderlich Nachf. of Berlin, this early wartime example retains its original leather body, permanently attached Eisenblech (tin plate) mortarboard top, brass Prussian Uhlan Wappen, and original M91-style leather chinstrap. The interior retains its complete leather liner, with clearly identifiable manufacturer, date, and size 57 markings. This is the first example of this particularly scarce Ersatz variation that we have had the opportunity to offer.

In 1914 to meet with the demands imposed by the Aug 1914 mobilization for war, an Ersatz (substitute) Tschapka was introduced which utilized a permanently affixed Eisenblech (tin plate) top and leather M91 style chinstrap to replace the brass chinscales.This Ersatz Tschapka with a leather body and permanently affixed Eisenblech (tin plate) top was in use from 1914 until it was replaced in mid-1915 by a removable Eisenblech (tin plate) top which utilized a large bayonet-style lug for securing the top to the shell.

The front of the helmet retains the brass Prussian wappen front plate, bearing the phrase "MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND" (With God For King And Fatherland). The Wappen is the standard Ulanen 90mm. Note the long tail feathers that drop straight down from the bottom the chest, a feature particular to Ulanen Wappen. This pattern is normally found only on issued Tschapka. The wappen is held in place by the two original leather wedges.

The helmet retains a correct tri-color metal Kokarde (cockade) around the right chin strap lug, but there is no Prussian cockade on the other lug or on the mortarboard, so it is missing. The helmet retains the original leather chinstrap which show great wear and is truly a fantastic characteristic of this helmet. Note how the back of the helmet is designed so that it curves down around the wearer's skull. As is typical for all Tschapka, only the Reich's Kokarde is carried on the right side.

The interior retains the full leather liner in great condition. The crown is stamped with size 57, the year of manufacture 1915, and a boxed maker’s stamp reading:

A. WUNDERLICH N.
BERLIN

A. Wunderlich Nachf. Fabrik fuer Heeresausruestung (factory for military equipment), Berlin-Neukoelln was still in operation until the end of the Second World War.

The Model 1914 Ersatz Uhlan Tschapka represents a relatively brief but significant stage in the evolution of Imperial German cavalry headgear during the First World War. This 1915-dated example retains the distinctive permanently attached Eisenblech mortarboard, the correct 90mm Uhlan Wappen with its characteristic elongated tail feathers, original leather chinstrap, and complete leather liner. The clearly stamped A. Wunderlich manufacturer's identification further strengthens its historical interest, while the missing Prussian cockade and wear to the chinstrap provide an accurate reflection of its surviving condition. As the first example of this particular variation we have offered, it is a noteworthy representative of the early wartime transition from traditional Imperial German cavalry equipment to simplified Ersatz production.