| Model 1914 Sachsen (Saxon) Ersatz Tschapka |
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Model 1914 Sachsen (Saxon) issued Mannschaften (Other Ranks) Ersatz Tschapka.
In 1914 to meet with the demands imposed by the Aug 1914 mobilization for war, an Ersatz (substitute) Tschapka was introduced which utilized a permanently affixed Eisenblech (tin plate) top and leather M91 style chinstrap to replace the brass chinscales.
This Ersatz Tschapka with a leather body and permanently affixed Eisenblech (tin plate) top was eventually replaced in 1915 by a Tschapka with a removable top.
As with most wartime Tschapka, there is no toggle on the top for the cords.
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| A view of the Sachsen (Saxon) issued Wappen (front plate). This coloration of Wappen was worn by Sachsen Ulanen Regts 17 and 18. Ulanen-Regt 21 wore a Wappen with the colors reversed, i.e. silver base star and gilt center. Wappen on pre-war Sachsen Tschapka are usually 82mm but it appears that after 1914 the standard Infantry Line Wappen size of 104mm was used to simplify production. |
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A side view of the Model 1914 Sachsen Tschapka. Note how the back of the helmet is designed so that it curves down around the wearer's skull.
As is typical for all Tschapka, only the Reich's Kokarde is carried on the right side. And as is typical for Sachsen mounted troops, the Kokarde is serrated, not the rounded Infantry pattern. |
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A close up of where the Eisenblech (tin plate) top meets the Tschapka body.
This form of permanently attached metal top was in use from 1914 until it was replaced in mid-1915 by a removable Eisenblech (tin plate) top which utilized a large bayonet-style lug for securing the top to the shell.
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 | Issued Tschapka carried the same unique liner for the entire life of the Tschapka, from 1843 to 1915. | |
A close up of interior markings. The interior skull is marked size "58", dated 1915 and marked to a Berlin manufacturer A. Wunderlich Berlin.
Of interest, A. Wunderlich Nachf. Fabrik fuer Heeresausruestung (factory for military equipment), Berlin-Neukoelln was still in operation until the end of the Second World War.
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 Photo used with the kind permission of
Thomas Helmlick | A photograph of a young Ulan in a Sachsen Ulanen Regt wearing the pre-1914 Tschapka with leather top. | |
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| The matching Ulanka and Tschapka for Sachsen Ulanen Regt. Nr. 17 . The gilt fittings on the Tschapka match the color of the buttons on the Ulanka. To see the Ulanka, click Here. |
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