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A really nice picture! Their eyes were touched up...

I have the same four models of IR115 helmets, but your latest Unteroffizier example totally outclasses mine!

Tony, the big problem I see with your Wuertemberg Tschapka is that it is not in my collection (to paraphrase the late Adler). I wonder how strict this distinction was, between field and peace uniforms, especially after the field AND peace variant was introduced in 1915. Were the Tschapkas and...

Sandy, you are correct, I am referring to the AKO from April 6th, 1915, and only as a cross-reference to others, principally JL Larcade. This AKO is presented as the major step toward official adoption of gray metal uniform parts. Wouldn't it be strange to wear everything metallic in matt gray...

When I write "early 1915 Tschapkas", I am probably wrong since the ordnance for detachable mortarboards was published in September 1915, similar to helmet spikes. "Early post-AKO M15 Tschapkas" should be more accurate. And I forgot to add: liners in both Tschapkas are of black leather. What I...

I used to have one, Brian, but it is long gone and I did not even keep a picture. Here are equivalent early 1915 Tschapkas though, as a proof of concept that such transitional models did exist: brass or white metal fittings, and detachable mortarboards.

I agree, Philippe, and would make the same comment. Since the detachable spike is the hallmark of the M15 helmet (September 1915), these models with grey fittings, black liners, and fixed spikes should not be seen as bona fide M15s, but rather ersatz models which, all variants included, were...

Yes, but as we said before, 17 should be the year, rather than the BA # which is usually indicated in roman characters (with the well-known exception of RBA18...). This Muetze in Kaisersbunker marked BJA Chtz 17 is also Prussian.

And if you look very carefully (and imaginatively...), it might read indeed: BJA Chemnitz 17...

Coert, it looks like we have, once again, a BJA xxxxxx 17, similar to what was recently discussed: https://www.pickelhaubes.com/xf/threads/help-with-markings.16683/

Or a post-1897 Braunschweiger, after they recovered their blue/yellow sign. Or did you write this because the busby looks higher in size, suggesting an older model?

Thank you! An old thread resurrected. I still own the helmets though...

You can still see the double liner within this wreck below. I used to own one in perfect condition, but sold it... I kept this relic below to present a Tschapka Ueberzug.

This is in fact a regular tin ersatz Tschapka, not a test helmet. These came painted black or olive green. Inside was a thin leather liner, and another liner made of felt or leather, between the shell and main liner.

I agree, and would add: where are kids nowadays, even when streets have not been dug up? By the age of 10, I would walk back and forth to school by myself, well over a mile away, on city streets. My mother would often send me shopping all by myself. And I was no exception. You met your friends...

In conclusion, 17 should rather be the year, and not the AK that normally appears in roman numbers. Then, since a BA or BJA should always be further identified, it might be BJAG (Bekleidungsinstandsetzungamt Garde), which should match the current eagle plate. These elongated rough holes in the...

My apologies for the nonsense! I had an accident on Wednesday; I am home recovering and clearly, I am not done yet... Saxony was of course BAXII, not BAXVII! I was misled by Chemnitz, which is in Saxony....

Hi Peter, The first three letters are B.J.A, for Bekleidungs Instandsetzung Amt (clothing repair workshop). This acronym is usually followed by the Armeekorps number in roman characters. Here, the next letters are difficult to make out, and the marking ends with the number 17. I remember seeing...

Amy, according to regulation, both the star and Saxony arms should be in gold colour. Only the reserve cross should be silver. In practice, officers would commonly simply add a silver cross to the regulat plate, therefore your Tschapka is perfectly acceptable!

Kris, I heard they have a mail system in France now. Information to be confirmed though.