Description
Discover a rare and historically significant piece of Prussian military history with this exquisite Prussian Officer’s Tschapka from the renowned 2. Hannoversches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 14. This finely-crafted leather helmet holds a rich past, deeply intertwined with the Napoleonic Wars and the 1866 Austro-Prussian War.
The 2. Hannoversches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 14 played a vital role during the Napoleonic Wars, fighting alongside Wellington in the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. However, following the 1866 Austro-Prussian War, the Kingdom of Hannover ceased to exist, and its military was annexed by Prussia. As a result, all Hanoverian regiments, including the Ulanen-Regiments, became “Prussian” regiments, garrisoned in their former barracks but required to wear Prussian uniforms.
This officer’s tschapka bears a well-formed, clean leather surface that remains supple and free from major defects. The helmet’s distinctive mortar board displays the iconic Ulanen Tschapka, a symbol of the light cavalry that were known as “Lancers.” Although lances were primarily used for parades by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Ulanen Tschapka’s furniture remained limited, featuring trim on the front visor, chin scales, and wappen.
The tschapka’s gilt chin scales, silver front visor, and high-quality wappen are captivating, especially with the exciting addition of bandeaux representing significant battles fought by the regiment. The bandeaux include “Waterloo” (fought in June 1815), “Peninsula” (the Peninsula Campaign spanning 1809 to 1814), and “Garzia-Hernandez” (a famous battle from the Peninsula Campaign on July 23, 1812). The open (voided) crown on the wappen confirms its officer’s status.
Uniquely, the helmet’s interior reveals an enlisted men/NCO’s-style leather liner with multiple fingers/tongues, all present and complete. The absence of the leather sizing thong suggests that the officer may have favored this liner-style for comfort and practicality in the field. Notably, the area where the wappen is attached remains free of double holes, affirming the wappen’s originality.
This exciting find originates from two advanced collections—one in the U.S. and another in Europe. We take great pride in presenting this rare and exceptional tschapka, a treasured piece of Prussian military history, to you.
Own a piece of historical significance and honor the legacy of the 2. Hannoversches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 14 with this extraordinary Prussian Officer’s Tschapka—an esteemed addition to any discerning collector’s repertoire.
