The Czapka of the Uhlan Regiment König Karl (1st Württemberg) No. 19 represents one of the most characteristic headpieces of the German cavalry in the Imperial era. This elegant officer's headgear from around 1910 embodies the proud tradition of the Württemberg Uhlans and the military splendor of the late Wilhelmine period.
The Uhlan Regiment No. 19 was established in 1866 after the Austro-Prussian War as a Royal Württemberg regiment and received its honorary name after King Karl I of Württemberg (1823-1891), who reigned from 1864 until his death. The regiment was stationed in Ulm, a city of great strategic importance in southern Germany. The Uhlans, originally a light cavalry type originating from Poland, were introduced into nearly all European armies during the 18th and 19th centuries and were distinguished by their characteristic armament with lances and their distinctive headgear.
The Czapka (also spelled Tschapka or Schapka) has its roots in the Polish cavalry of the 18th century. The name derives from the Polish word “czapka,” which simply means “cap.” This box-shaped headpiece with its characteristic square top became the identifying mark of all Uhlan regiments in the Prussian and contingent armies of the German Empire. The Württemberg variant largely followed Prussian regulations but featured distinct Royal Württemberg elements.
The officer's czapka described here, made of black patent leather, corresponds to the regulations for the uniform of Württemberg Uhlan officers around 1910. The silver coat of arms shield on the front typically displayed the Württemberg state coat of arms with the three stacked antlers. The golden scale chains, attached via rosettes, originally served as chin straps but were usually worn folded up in parade uniform. The Imperial cockade on the right side in the colors black-white-red symbolized membership in the German Empire, while the Württemberg cockade indicated state affiliation.
The red parade trim – the fabric-covered upper edge of the czapka – was characteristic of Regiment No. 19. The color red as the arm-of-service color was common to all Württemberg cavalry regiments. The Württemberg field insignia, a metal emblem on the front part of the czapka, and the parade plume made of buffalo hair completed the magnificent appearance of this headpiece during parades and ceremonial occasions. The tall, flowing plume of black or white hair gave the wearer an imposing appearance and emphasized the representative character of this uniform.
The interior lining with light brown sweatband leather and light beige silk lining testifies to the high-quality workmanship of this officer's headpiece. The label of the “Oekonomie Kunstinstitut für galvanische Erneuerung” from Berlin indicates that the metal fittings were subsequently electroplated – a common procedure for refreshing and preserving the gilding and silvering. This proves that this czapka was worn and maintained over many years.
The specified size 55 corresponds to a head circumference of approximately 55 centimeters and was a common size for officers of this period. The manufacture of such czapkas was carried out by specialized military equipment dealers and court suppliers who worked according to strict regulations of the Württemberg army uniform specifications.
Regiment No. 19 participated in World War I and fought on various fronts. After the German defeat in 1918 and the dissolution of the monarchies, the regiment was disbanded as part of demobilization. The czapka as headgear disappeared from active military service with the end of the Empire, but lives on as a symbol of Imperial cavalry in collections and historical representations.
Today, well-preserved examples like this czapka are important testimonies to the military history of the Kingdom of Württemberg and the German Empire. They document not only the craftsmanship of the time but also the military culture, the social significance of the officer corps, and the magnificent display of armies before World War I.
