The elegant officer's helmet of the Leib-Kürassier-Regiment Großer Kurfürst (Schlesisches) Nr. 1 from around 1910 represents the final evolutionary phase of Prussian cuirassier helmets before World War I. This remarkable piece of military history combines traditional Prussian craftsmanship with the technical improvements that the regiment experienced throughout its centuries-long history.
The Leib-Kürassier-Regiment Großer Kurfürst (Schlesisches) Nr. 1 was originally founded as Dragoner-Garde in 1674 and underwent several name changes before being redesignated Leib-Kürassier-Regiment Nr. 1 by Supreme Cabinet Order on September 18, 1866. On January 27, the Kaiser's birthday, it received its full designation as Leib-Kürassier-Regiment Großer Kurfürst (Schlesisches) Nr. 1. The unit adopted the metal Kürassier helmet in 1843, which became a characteristic feature of this elite formation.
The design of the cuirassier helmet was simplified by regulations in 1860 and 1889, resulting in a lower crown and shorter front visor. A significant modification occurred in 1889 when the two-step visor was shortened to a single fold to facilitate rifle shooting. The 1891 regulation introduced a new chinstrap attachment that allowed a leather strap to be worn on maneuvers or in the field. A further modification came in 1894, when the screw chinstrap was replaced by a post-side chinstrap. These helmets were sometimes referred to as lobster-tail helmets, owing to their distinctive articulated neck guard.
All-metal versions of the Pickelhaube were worn mainly by cuirassiers and often appeared in portraits of high-ranking military and political figures. While the helmets worn by line cuirassiers since 1842 were made of polished steel with brass mountings, officers' helmets featured nickel-plated shells of lightweight sheet iron with gilt fittings. The interior was equipped with brown leather sweatbands and golden-yellow silk rep lining, the front visor lined with black leather, and the neck guard with black velvet.
A special distinction was granted to the regiment in 1902, when it received a unique eagle with spread wings bearing the motto Pro Gloria et Patria (For Glory and Fatherland). This fire-gilt flying eagle with polished edges replaced the earlier helmet ornament and made the regiment instantly recognizable within the Prussian army. Gilded flat scale chains with edge stamping on the screws and both cockades completed the magnificent equipment.
Breslau was assigned as the garrison on December 3. Until 1912, members of the regiment wore a cream-colored Koller and cream-colored boot trousers in service. Officers were equipped with epaulettes for parade or otherwise wore shoulder straps, while non-commissioned officers and enlisted men wore only shoulder straps. The officer helmets produced around 1910 in Breslau were worn for parades and ceremonial duties.
During World War I, the regiment, designated as Kavallerie-Schützen-Kommando 11 from July 1918 until the end of the war, fought with the Garde-Kavallerie-Schützen-Division in the Champagne region. After the war ended, the former Leib-Kürassier-Regiment was ordered to Berlin, where it was deployed to protect the Reich government against the insurgent Volksmarinedivision. The regiment was dissolved in 1918, and thereafter the remnants moved to Breslau, where they were demobilized. By decree of the Chief of the Army Leadership, General of Infantry Hans von Seeckt, dated August 24, 1921, the tradition of this proud unit was assumed by the 1st Squadron of the 7th (Prussian) Cavalry Regiment in Breslau.
