Bavarian Officer Schirmütze – Cavalry Regiment – Emerald Green & Red – Circa Late 19th/Early 20th Century

This Bavarian officer's Schirmütze is a superb example of pre-World War I headgear, specifically designed for an officer in the Bavarian Cavalry Regiment. The schirmütze (visor cap) is a representation of the high-ranking status of its wearer, showcasing distinct Bavarian military colors and craftsmanship.

Design & Materials:

• Primary Color: The cap is made of emerald green wool, a unique shade signifying its Bavarian origins. It is combined with a vibrant red band that encircles the cap's body, characteristic of the cavalry regiment.
• Piping: Elegant white piping outlines the cap's upper edges, adding a crisp contrast to the emerald and red tones.
• Kokarden: The front features the traditional Bavarian state kokarde, marked by a blue center, symbolizing the Kingdom of Bavaria. Above it, the Reich kokarde in black, white, and red emphasizes its connection to the broader Imperial German military structure.
• Visor: The cap retains its glossy black lacquered visor, common in officer headgear of the period. The visor remains in remarkable condition, with no visible cracks or warping.
• Interior: Inside, the cap boasts a fine leather sweatband and a silk liner. While the liner shows signs of natural wear, typical for items of this age, it remains mostly intact, with only minor fraying around the edges. The maker’s stamp is no longer visible due to wear, but the cap retains its structure.

Condition:

This particular piece is in very fine condition. The wool exterior is free from noticeable moth nips, an exceptional characteristic for such an old item. The piping and kokarden are also well-preserved, with their original color and detail intact. The interior shows signs of wear consistent with use, but the overall preservation is commendable for a historical piece of this nature.

Historical Context:

This visor cap likely belonged to an officer in the Bavarian Chevaulegers, the light cavalry of the Bavarian Army. These regiments were known for their ceremonial and military duties, with their distinctive uniforms and headgear making them a symbol of prestige. The use of lances and swift horses made the Chevaulegers an essential part of Bavaria’s military tradition, especially leading up to and during the early phases of World War I.

Bavaria, being one of the most influential kingdoms within the German Empire, maintained its own unique military traditions, which is reflected in the distinct color schemes and designs used in uniforms such as this Schirmütze.

Market Value:

Due to the excellent condition and its historical significance, this Bavarian officer’s Schirmütze is valued at $1,295.00. The rarity of the emerald green wool, combined with the cap’s connection to a prominent military regiment, makes it highly desirable among collectors of Imperial German militaria.

Collectability:

Items from the Bavarian Cavalry, particularly officer-grade pieces like this one, are highly sought after by collectors. The combination of pre-World War I origins, excellent preservation, and connection to a distinguished unit increases the cap’s value and desirability.

For further exploration into the history of the Bavarian Chevaulegers and other similar Imperial German militaria, recommended resources include:

• The Bavarian Army Museum in Ingolstadt, Bavaria: Link
• Imperial German Uniforms & Headgear Database: Link

This Schirmütze offers a rare glimpse into the distinguished world of Bavarian military regalia and remains an exceptional piece for any collector of Imperial German military history.