Description
The Zieten Hussars – “Hussars Regiment ‘von Zieten’ (Brandenburg) No. 3” was a hussar regiment of the Prussian Army. Founded in 1730 and named after its first Colonel, Hans Joachim von Zieten. Frederick the Great created it as the 2nd Hussar Regiment (H2), and in 1743 it adopted the distinctive tiger-skin pelisse for their parade uniforms, with company officers wearing fur caps with heron feathers and field officers using an eagles’s wing. During the 1806 campaign of the War of the Fourth Coalition, the regiment was known as von Rudorff Hussar regiment, soon renamed Life Hussar Regiment von Rudorff (No.2) (German: No.2 Leib-Husaren von Rudorff). The regiment capitulated at Ratekau following the defeat of 1806 and was disbanded. In 1807 it formed a squadron in its former depot as Freikorps Marwitz and amalgamated with Blücher’s Corps to create the 1st Brandenburg Hussar Regiment on 7 September 1808 (Husaren Regiment Nr.3). The regiment’s 2nd squadron served during the Russian Campaign of 1812 on the French side, and the regiment served throughout the 1813-1814 campaigns on the Coalition side, also participating in the 1815 campaign. In 1860, before the unification of Germany, the regiment became a part of the Federal Army. But it took until 1861 to officially recognize the regimental tradition of the old Prussian 2nd Hussar Regiment. Shortly before the outbreak of World War I it formed part of the 6th Cavalry-Brigade in the 6th Division (Brandenburg Division) known as Husaren-Regiment von Zieten (Brandenburgisches) Nr. 3 (“Hussars Regiment “von Zieten” (Brandenburgian) No. 3″) and was stationed in Rathenow; on mobilisation, the cavalry brigades were re-organised into independent divisions; the regiment remained as divisional cavalry, split between the 5th Division and the 6th Division.
Made of a Poppy Red Wool Cloth with Blue Center Band, and WHite Piping, this EM/NCO cap is in VERY NICE used condition! Specifically for the men on the Hussar Regiment “Von Zieten” (Brandenburg) No. 3, there are some slight marks due to the age, as well as some mothing, but no major holes or damage! The front of the cap bears a Black, White and Red Reichskokarde (Imperial Cockade); with a Black and White Cockade on the cap band, representing the Kingdom of Prussia. The interior is lined with an orange-colored silk, with a light brown leather sweatband. The sweatband is coming away in areas, but that could be rectified by the winning bidder if wished. Also features the original owner’s initials! Manufacture label is still fully intact, but slightly faded. Size is approximately 58cm or so. Would make a SUPERB addition to any collection or display!