| Model 1867 Sachsen (Saxon) Reiter Raupenhelm |
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Model 1867 Sachsen (Saxon) Reiter Raupenhelm from Kgl. Sächs.Reiter Regt Nr. 1, Dresden, XII Armee Korps.
Raupenhelm in German translates literally as a 'caterpillar helmet', as the shape of the large wool 'Raupe' on the top resembled a caterpillar. The M67 Reiter Raupenhelm was worn by four regiments: the Kgl.Sächs. Garde-Reiter-Regiment, and Sachsen Reiter regiments 1 to 3.
In 1876 the four Reiter regiments were reorganized and the M1867 Reiter Raupenhelme was replaced. Two Regiments were equipped with Tombak Metallhelme: Kgl.Sächs. Garde-Reiter-Regiment (which retained its name), and Sachsen Reiter Regt N. 3 which was named Kgl.Sächs. Karabiner-Regiment. Sachsen Reiter Regts 1 & 2 became Kgl. Sächs. Husaren-Regts Nr.18 & 19 and were equipped with Pelzmützen (Busbies).
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 | The superb illustration to the left by Darko Pavlovic shows a mounted Reiter of the Sachsen Reiter Regt Nr. 1.
From: Solka, M. (2005) German Armies 1870-71 (2) Prussia's Allies (Men at Arms 422).Osprey Publishing, Midland House Oxford.
The collar and cuffs on the pale-blue Koller were in regimental colors:
- Garde Reiter Regt - white
- Reiter Regt Nr. 1 - red
- Reiter Regt Nr. 2 - burgundy
- Reiter Regt Nr. 3 - black
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| A view of the Sachsen (Saxon) Wappen (front plate). This Wappen is essentially identical to the Wappen used by Sachsen foot troops. |
| A view of the Sachsen (Saxon) Model 1867 Reiter Raupenhelm profile. |  |
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| The height of the helmet is nicely shown in this photograph. Sitting on a flat surface, the helmet is 28.5 cm (over 11 inches) tall. The brass chinscales with their unique triple-leaf pattern measure 35mm at their widest point and are secured by threaded screw-posts. Note that both the front and rear visors carry brass trim. |
 | A close-up of the unique brass framework on the side of the helmet body and the leather support for the wool Raupe. The brass framework is secured to the leather body with split brads, while the Raupe is secured with domed screw posts. | |
| A view of the rear of the Raupenhelm |  | |
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 | Unlike Preußen chinscales, the brass chinscales on Sachsen (Saxon) Raupenhelme are sewn to thick leather with the stitching exposed at the rear.
This pattern of backing can also be found on the M1845/48 Bayern (Bavaria) Raupenhelme chinscales. | |
| The Sachsen stamped metal Kokarde was worn on the right side of the helmet and measures an impressive 67mm. Unlike foot troops who used a smooth round Kokarde, the Sachsen cavalry wore a Kokarde with serrated edges. |  |
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 | The liner of the issued M1867 Raupenhelm was of heavy leather with rounded "tongues" perforated at the ends for a leather string to adjust the fit. Typically, this helmet has 'twisted' somewhat from age.
However, I would be twisted too if I was 139 years old! | |
| A soldered loop on the back of the Wappen passes through corresponding slits on the front of the helmet and is held in place with leather wedges. This system was also used by Bayern (Bavaria) as far back as 1845, and eventually adopted for all issued Pickelhauben in 1895. |  |
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 | The loop system was also used to retain other parts of the helmet together, such as the wool Raupe as shown here on the bottom of the rear visor.
The name of the manufacturer "G.H. Osang" (Dresden) is stamped into both front and rear visor trim.
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