Bavarian Officer’s Tschapka with Case – Kavallerie Officer’s Helmet

This is an outstanding example of a Bavarian officer’s tschapka, the traditional square-topped helmet of the Uhlan cavalry regiments, complete with its original fitted case. The tschapka (Polish for “cap”) traces its lineage to Polish lancers and was adopted widely across European armies, with Bavaria’s uhlan regiments carrying the tradition well into the Imperial German period.

Physical Description:
The helmet features the classic squared mortarboard top, finished in black leather with a fine stippled texture, surmounted by silvered lion-head mounts at the corners—one serving as the anchor for the chinstrap hook. A silver bullion officer’s kokarde is fitted to the right side. The mortarboard shows natural surface checking consistent with age, but remains structurally sound. The stem attaching the mortarboard to the helmet body has some flexibility—not broken, but not entirely rigid—a point to note, though the helmet remains solid and well-preserved overall.

The body of the helmet is black lacquered leather, fronted by a gilt officer’s Wappen of the Kingdom of Bavaria: a finely detailed shield with the Bavarian lozenges at center, flanked by two rampant lions and topped by the royal crown. The lower scroll bears the Bavarian motto “In Treue Fest” (“Steadfast in Loyalty”). The officer’s frontplate is highly cut out, with openwork detail that enhances its depth.

A silvered chinscale set, convex and mounted on rosettes with lion heads, adorns the sides. The rear spine is fitted with matching silver trim. The crimson cloth mortarboard insert is intact, showing minor wear but retaining its rich color. The interior liner is the officer’s style—leather sweatband with silk remnants, though showing field wear and missing some elements.

Helmet Case:
The helmet is accompanied by its original case, a very rare survival. Constructed of heavy fiberboard covered in tan canvas with leather trim, it retains its original carrying handle (leather, with wear and age cracking). The lid strap is boldly stenciled “Heinrich S.”, likely the surname of the officer to whom this tschapka was issued. The interior is lined in dark crimson fabric, with its securing strap intact. The case lock is stamped “F.A. Winterstein, Leipzig”, a known maker of officer’s equipment and cases. The locking mechanism remains functional despite the absence of a key; the latch can be worked manually.

Historical Context:
Bavaria maintained two Uhlan regiments within the Royal Bavarian Army: the 1. Ulanen-Regiment “Kaiser Wilhelm II., König von Preußen” and the 2. Ulanen-Regiment “König”. Both were elite cavalry regiments, with long traditions tied to ceremonial and battlefield service. Officers were expected to privately purchase their helmets, and examples with case and owner attribution are exceedingly desirable to collectors. The tschapka itself symbolized both elite cavalry tradition and Bavarian loyalty to the Kaiserreich while maintaining strong regional identity.

Condition:

• Helmet: Very good, with strong details to the Wappen, intact chin scales, and solid body. Mortarboard stem has slight flexibility, but remains functional and not broken. Wear and checking to leather and liner consistent with age and use.

• Case: Sound, with exterior wear and handle cracking; interior lining intact and clean; lock functional though key absent.

• Set remains a rare, complete ensemble.