Preußen Model 1905
Jäger-zu-Pferde-Regt. Nr.8 Metalhelm
 
Preußen Model 1905 Jäger zu Pferde Mannschaften (Other Ranks) issued Metalhelm for Jäger-zu-Pferde-Regt. Nr.8.

Originally raised from Meldareiter (mounted dispatch riders) in 1887, the Jäger-zu-Pferde ceased to be used in that function after becoming a Regiment in 1901 and were employed as mounted infantry, similar to Dragoner (Dragoon) Regiments.

This example is a heavy, issued Metalhelm made from blackened steel with all Tombak fittings except for the gilt (brass) M1895 Dragoner Pickelhaube eagle Wappen.
Jäger-zu-Pferde-Regt. Nr.8 was the only Jäger-zu-Pferde-Regt. to wear this combination of Tombak (an alloy made from a combination of copper and zinc) fittings with gilt (brass) eagle Wappen. As only one regiment wore these colours, Jäger-zu-Pferde-Regt. Nr.8 helmets are difficult to find, and in this superb condition quite rare. The helmet must have been in "as issued" mint condition in 1918, as the wear to the sides of the liner and to the paint inside the shell, are from handling and display, not from use by a soldier.
 
 
A view of the issued Mannschaften (Other Ranks) helmet Wappen (front plate) which unique to Jäger-zu-Pferde-Regt. Nr.8, was a gilt (brass) M1895 Dragoner Pickelhaube eagle Wappen. This Wappen is a standard M1895 Dragoner with loops on the rear.
 
The liners of issued M1905 Jäger zu Pferde Metalhelme were leather with rounded "tongues" perforated at the ends for a leather string to adjust the fit.

The shell is dated 1914 and stamped by the manufacturer, C.E. Juncker. The bottom of the neck-guard is clearly stamped "8.J.P." and stamped with the size; "56.5".
 
 
A side view of the M1905 Jäger zu Pferde Metalhelm. Note how unlike Kürassier Metalhelme which curve around the back of the neck-guards, Jäger zu Pferde Metalhelme neck-guards come to a point at the rear. The Kokarden are the large 63 mm Kürassier pattern for Mannschaften (Other Ranks).
 
A rear view showing the point on the neck-guard and the unique cloverleaf spike base and tall spike.

The Tombak fittings on this helmet have toned and aged to a very pleasing dark caramel colour.
 
A period photograph showing a Jäger wearing the M1905 Jäger zu Pferde Metalhelm.

As is correct for Jäger zu Pferde Regiments 8 to 13 he is wearing the M10 graugrün Feldrock.