Prussian 2nd (Queen Victoria of Prussia's) Life Hussars Regiment Other Rank's busby

The First World War marked the end of a long era of colourful military uniforms, and this Pelzmütze (literally, a fur cap, but commonly referred to as a busby) provides a fascinating insight into the elaborate uniforms worn by cavalry units of the Deutsches Heer (Imperial German Army). Such Pelzmütze were worn on parade and into battle in the early stages of the First World War, but were later replaced with steel helmets, which offered far greater protection to the wearer. The 2nd (Queen Victoria of Prussia’s) Hussars wore a silver Totenkopf (death’s head) busby, above which appeared a ribbon with the motto “Mit Gott für König und Vaterland” (With God for King and Fatherland). Officers wore a busby made of otter skin – except in the case of the 17th (Brunswick) Hussars, who wore bearskin. Other ranks wore a sealskin busby.