Original Item: Only one available. Pre Great War Imperial German Field Cap (Feldmützen or Krätzchen). Constructed of dark blue wool with red cap band, red piping along with 2 metal cockades a National (on top) and a Bavarian Below with interior linen lining. Size is approximately US 6 3/4 (54cm). A wonderful genuine example!
In 1897 a new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the Pickelhaube, and worn centered between the band and the top row of piping on Krätzchen and Schirmmütze, as shown on this Mannschaften (Other Ranks) Schirmmütze for Husaren-Regt. Königin Wilhelmena der Niederlande (Hannoversches) Nr.15. The sewn on style “kokarden” worn on the World War I field caps. As with other Imperial German headdress the Reich cockade was worn above the state cockade – in this case Prussian on a field cap.
On March 16, 1867 introduced the Krätzchen (field cap) and Schirmmütze (visor cap) which was considerably lower than the Model 1814 Feldmütze. For the Krätzchen, the band was 1/3 the overall height with barely enough room for the Kokarde. The top was now less-rounded with relatively wide piping. The example to the right is a typical example of an issued Preußen M1867 Krätzchen.