WW1 Prussian Jäger Officers Tschako, 1915
Price: Sold
BACKGROUND: The origins of the distinctive Shako has been somewhat shrouded with the passing of time with some military historians accrediting the French with its development in the 1780’s, based on the design of the civilian top hat, while others acclaim that it was based on the Austro-Hungarian or Bavarian Casquette headgear that was introduced at roughly the same time. It is known, however, that the Shako was originally adopted by the Prussian army as an experimental model in 1801 and was the standard headgear utilized by Jäger and Schützen personnel during the Napoleonic Wars. The 1801 pattern shako went through numerous modifications and in March 1854 a new pattern was officially adopted by Jäger and Schnelle Truppen, (Light Infantry and Mobile Troops), personnel. Further minor modifications to the Shako occurred in 1860, 1888, 1891, 1892, 1895, 1897, and 1915. The Shako continued in use with additional modifications for the German police through the post-war Weimar era and on into the Third Reich period.
Description:WWI era Prussian Jäger Officers Tschako for Jäger Bataillons 3-9 & 11, Officers quality black wool covered fiber body; black fiber officers rear visor w/green underside; Silver bullion-wire Prussian Officers Field Badge with black velvet center above Gilt Prussian Eagle front plate (original to helmet body). Wartime gilt chin scales and Officers (multi-piece) Reichs kokarde on right side. Officers split silk two piece liner, above a wide leather sweatband.
