Here is the introductory order of 16/18 March 1903 introducing the new pattern Feldzeichen of white and green. It would seem that there was a period when both patterns would have been worn as the order states that this is applicable only for new acquisitions (Neubeschaffungen).
In any case the new Feldzeichen of 1903 must have been very short-lived; the NCOs and soldiers of the Saxon Train battalions received the leather helmet also in 1903.
i was just wondering after looking at the markings again, does anyone have an idea as to what the A and M stand for? Could the A stand for anno/year ?? Very cool shako James, it was great to examine it in hand at the show.