BAVARIA – OFFICER SCHIRMÜTZE – FELDGRAU CRUSHER – CHEVAULGER-REGIMENT

This is a World War I-era schirmütze from a Bavarian Chevaulger regiment, presented in feldgrau, the color scheme that became synonymous with the German military during the war. Notably, this is a “crusher cap,” a style favored for its comfortable and practical design, allowing the cap to be easily folded and stowed.

Design and Features:

1. Feldgrau Color: The schirmütze is entirely feldgrau, including the contrasting prewar central wide band. The feldgrau color scheme became a standard for German military uniforms during World War I, making this cap historically significant.
2. Chinstrap: One of the most remarkable features of this schirmütze is that it retains its original chinstrap. This is a rare find, as many officers chose to remove them, either because they were cumbersome or because they were often torn off in the field. The presence of the chinstrap adds to the cap’s authenticity and value.
3. Kokarden and Visor: The state and reich kokarden are intact, and the black visor is of high quality, enhancing the cap's overall aesthetic.
4. Condition: The exterior of the schirmütze is in amazing condition, with no visible signs of mothing. However, the interior shows more wear, as is often the case with crusher caps. The black leather sweatband is complete but exhibits the characteristic folds from being “crushed.” The silk lining is more heavily worn, with significant shredding. The center of the lining features a blank square, likely where the original owner’s name was once inscribed but has since been removed.

This World War I schirmütze is a fascinating artifact with a lot of character, offering a tangible connection to the experiences of a Bavarian officer during the war. Its historical significance and well-preserved exterior make it a desirable piece for any collector.