USMC-EOD
Active member
Hi,
I acquired this tiny silver uhlan tschapka recently from an old collection. I asked James LeBrassuer about it and what his thoughts were, and he recommended that I post it here.
It is made of silver and has three tiny European hallmarks and a number "800" which I assume to show it's silver purity content.
The markings are on the left side behind the cockades and chinscales.
This is made in multi-piece construction, with the chinscales, cockades and feldzeichen (spelling?) All having been attached separately during it's manufacture.
The helmet appears to be professionally made by a silver smith purposely, rather than as a piece of trench art made by a soldier.
My first thought was that this could be a piece of the table setting for a specific unit's officer's mess. A unique piece at each table setting. Oddly enough, it can hold about one shot of whiskey as well, if it is to be flipped over, filled up, and used in a toast. Don't ask me how I figured this out...
I have seen this type of thing (though not nearly as extravagant as little silver helmets!) in the Marines at Regimental Officer's Mess Nights, where the Regiment's silver and china is pulled out for this type of formal dinner.
Do any of the more seasoned collectors here know exactly what this is?
It is very cool looking, and it presents well inside one of my helmet cases with cavalry helmets inside. Your thoughts would be appreciated!
Bryan.
I acquired this tiny silver uhlan tschapka recently from an old collection. I asked James LeBrassuer about it and what his thoughts were, and he recommended that I post it here.
It is made of silver and has three tiny European hallmarks and a number "800" which I assume to show it's silver purity content.
The markings are on the left side behind the cockades and chinscales.
This is made in multi-piece construction, with the chinscales, cockades and feldzeichen (spelling?) All having been attached separately during it's manufacture.
The helmet appears to be professionally made by a silver smith purposely, rather than as a piece of trench art made by a soldier.
My first thought was that this could be a piece of the table setting for a specific unit's officer's mess. A unique piece at each table setting. Oddly enough, it can hold about one shot of whiskey as well, if it is to be flipped over, filled up, and used in a toast. Don't ask me how I figured this out...
I have seen this type of thing (though not nearly as extravagant as little silver helmets!) in the Marines at Regimental Officer's Mess Nights, where the Regiment's silver and china is pulled out for this type of formal dinner.
Do any of the more seasoned collectors here know exactly what this is?
It is very cool looking, and it presents well inside one of my helmet cases with cavalry helmets inside. Your thoughts would be appreciated!
Bryan.
