Hannover
Husaren Regt 15 Pelzmütze (Busby)
 
 
Hannover Husaren Mannschaften (Other Ranks) Pelzmütze (Busby) for Husaren-Regt. Königin Wilhelmena der Niederlande (Hannoversches) Nr.15 (Wandsbek) VIII Armee Korps. The Pelzmütze is made from seal hair stretched over a bamboo frame. According to period catalogues, Fähnriche and Fahnenjunker (two forms of officers cadet) were allowed to purchase fur Eigentumsstück (Private purchase) Pelzmütze. This seems to have also been tolerated for privately-purchased Pelzmütze for lower ranks as they range in color from black to a very dark brown (almost black). Eigentumsstück (Private purchase) Pelzmütze do not exhibit the smooth-tight hair of a seal-hair issued Pelzmütze as evidenced by period photographs identical to this example. The Pelzmütze shown here is made from seal hair, but it is the natural dark-brown color and has not been dyed black.
 
A view of the silver Husaren Bandeau with the battle honours. This Bandeau was only used by Husaren Regt. Nr. 15. In 1899, Kaiser Wilhelm awarded commemorative Bandeau upon several regiments of the provinces of Hannover and Hesse-Nassau. The Bandeaus carry the names of battles fought by the Regiments of Hannover and duchies of Nassau when they fought against France as part of the British King's German Legion. The Bandeau were for battles fought in Spain or Waterloo. The Husaren Regt 15 Bandeau carried the battle honours of: "PENINSULA-WATERLOO-EL BODON-BAROSSA". At one time, the letters for the battle honours would have been painted black, but only a small amount of paint remains.
Like issued Pelzmütze, this example also has the distinctive waffled canvas interior over a bamboo frame. Note the split prongs and washers that hold the Bandeau onto the body.
 
The squared leather tongue liner commonly encountered on Eigentums-helm is often referred to as the "Extra" pattern. The leather is a higher quality and it was felt that this style of liner afforded more comfort. This pattern of liner was also worn by officers until 1880.
 
A side view of the Pelzmütze. Note that although the rosettes for securing the gilt chinscales to the body are private purchase pattern, the Kokarden are correct metal Mannschaften (Other Ranks).
The matching Pelzmütze, Attila, and Schirmmütze for Husaren Regt Nr. 15.To see the Attila click Here. To see the Schirmmütze click Here.