Original British 12th Lancers Cavalry Officer Uhlan Czapka “Lance Cap” – Size 6 ¾ Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Uhlans were a type of light cavalry, primarily armed with a lance. They first appeared in the cavalry of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, in the early 18th century. Uhlans were quickly adopted by the mounted forces of other countries, including France, Russia, Prussia, Saxony, and Austria-Hungary. The term “lancer” was often used interchangeably with “uhlan”; the lancer regiments later formed for the British Army were directly inspired by the uhlans of other armies (even though they were never known by that name).

At the end of the Napoleonic Wars the czapka continued to be worn by uhlans in Germany and Austria, as well as in France by Line-Regiment Lancers and later the Imperial Guard of Napoleon III. Lancer regiments in the British Army continued to wear czapkas (described as “lance caps”) for full dress until 1939 and the modern Royal Lancers still retains this historic headdress for its Lancer Honour Guard. Along with the traditional double-breasted plastron-fronted lancer jacket, it is also still worn by the band of the Royal Yeomanry.

This helmet features a brass front plate with the 12th Lancers coat of arms. The plate is held on via threaded posts secured with a nut. The color is retained nicely with all details still easily distinguishable.

The helmet is constructed of a boiled leather body, much like a pickelhaube, however the top is layered fabric, reinforced with internal metal boning. This allows it to hold the square top in place, which is the distinguishing feature of all Czapkas.

Condition is good, though it does show age. The original brass chin scales are in good condition, and look great. A very rare helmet, the first British one that we have seen, ready to add to your collection!