Model 1867 Preußen Ulanen Regt Nr. 1 Tschapka
 
 
 
Model 1867 Preußen Ulanen Unteroffizier (NCO) Tschapka for Ulanen-Regt. Kaiser Alexander III von Rußland (Westpreußisches) Nr.1 (Militsch, Ostrowo) V Armee Korps.

Note the incredibly large brass chinscales secured very high on the body, a feature that is typical for Tschapka from this era. The Tschapka is complete with rare Unteroffizier Fangschnur (cords) which were worn by NCOs in the rank of Sergeant and up.

This leather Tschapka is exceptionally thick and heavy, weighing almost as much as a six-pack of beer (a standard Canadian form of measurement).
 
A view of the issued Preußen Ulanen Wappen (front plate) which is commonly referred to as an "old style Grenadier" pattern as it carried a "FWR" (Friedrich Wilhelm Rex) cypher in an oval shield on the eagle's chest similar to the first pattern Wappen worn by Line Grenadier Regiments. Unlike the Grenadier Wappen, however, the Ulanen version measures only 95mm compared to the larger Grenadier eagle Wappen at 115mm from the bottom of the tail feathers to the top of the crown. This pattern of Wappen with "FWR" cypher on the eagle's chest was only worn by Ulanen Regts 1, 2, and 3.
A close-up of the threaded bolt and brass chinscales secured high on the side.
 
A side view of the Model 1867 Tschapka which illustrates how the back of the helmet is designed so that it curves down around the wearer's skull.

Note the small white spots of splashed white paint above the massive brass chinscales. I find it amusing that most old Pickelhauben have a few dots of paint on them somewhere from having been stored in a garage, cellar, or attic when painting was occurring.
 
A view of the Unteroffizier Fangschnur (cords) which were worn by the rank of Sergeant and up.
 
The Ulanen Tschapka liner was unique, in having squared fingers which met in the center to form almost a closed circle. The liner of the issued Ulanen Tschapka remained essentially the same the entire life of the helmet, from 1842 to 1915.
 
The inside on the skull is impressed with "WUR1" for "Westpreußisches Ulanen Regt. Nr. 1.
 
The photo above from the Franco-Preußen war showing a young Preußen Ulan wearing Ulanka and posing beside his M1867 Tschapka. What makes this photo interesting, is that beside his Tschapka on the stand is his M1850 cavalry percussion-cap pistol in a leather holster.