M1895 Prussian Hussar Enlisted Busby

Product Description:  This is an exceptional and highly desirable example of a Model 1895 Prussian Hussar Enlisted Man’s Busby, worn by a trooper of the 2nd Rhenish Hussaren-Regiment Nr. 9, a storied light-cavalry regiment of the XV Army Corps. Busbies from Husaren-Regt. Nr. 9 are prized for their distinctive features and striking field presence—this example checks all the boxes for authenticity, condition, and display appeal.

The black-dyed seal fur body remains in strong, original condition, retaining its correct height, contour, and surface texture. Both Model 1891 mounting posts for the chinscales exhibit the correct cavalry curvature and are backed with their proper leather washers, exactly as expected on a textbook issued Pelzmütze.

Prominently mounted across the front is the magnificent “Fatherland” motto bandeau, featuring the timeless 1860 inscription MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (“With God For King And Fatherland”). The gilded finish shows beautiful depth with excellent pebbling and crisp lettering throughout. This style of bandeau was worn on only four Hussar regiments, making it a key identifying and desirable feature. Both interior split-brad retainers remain present, though one has come loose with age.

One of the most defining attributes of Husaren-Regt. Nr. 9 is the dark blue Kolpak (wool cloth bag) worn draped over the left side of the Busby. This example retains its original rich color with no repairs. The original Fangschnur (securing cord)—complete with black-and-white knots and correct toggle—remains properly attached and looped in the correct fashion for a line regiment trooper.

Inside, the Busby retains its distinctive issued M1891 Pelzmütze liner: heavy black leather tongues sharply pointed at the ends, each perforated for the drawstring adjustment. This exact style of liner was used consistently from 1850 through the end of Pelzmütze production in 1915 and is one of the strongest indicators of an untouched, issue-grade piece. The leather shows honest age but remains supple and fully intact.

Overall, this M1895 Prussian Hussar Enlisted Busby stands as a beautifully preserved and highly authentic example from one of the most visually striking regiments in the Imperial German cavalry. A superb addition to any advanced Imperial collection and an impressive display piece showcasing the elegance and tradition of the Kaiserzeit mounted arm.

Historical Description:  The German hussar regiments trace their origins to the 18th century, when European armies—captivated by the speed, audacity, and distinctive dress of Hungarian light cavalry—adopted their own versions of these agile horsemen. In Prussia, Frederick the Great was particularly enthusiastic about hussars, expanding existing units and creating new regiments noted for their bold reconnaissance abilities and swift battlefield maneuvering. Characterized by their colorful dolmans, fur-trimmed pelisses, and braided decorations, the hussars quickly became some of the most recognizable soldiers in the Prussian cavalry. They were celebrated for their scouting, raiding, and skirmishing roles, often operating ahead of the main army and showing exceptional independence and mobility.

Throughout the 19th century, the hussar tradition remained strong within the armies of the German states and, after 1871, the unified German Empire. During the Napoleonic era, the Prussian hussars gained a reputation for resilience despite early setbacks, later contributing significantly to the campaigns that ultimately helped topple Napoleon. In the late Imperial period, many regiments were associated with specific regions or royal patrons—such as the famed “Death’s Head” Hussars (Leib-Husaren), whose skull-emblazoned caps became an emblem of elite cavalry. By the time of World War I, however, the traditional role of light cavalry was rapidly fading. German hussar regiments served bravely in the early mobile phases of the war, but trench warfare and modern weaponry soon restricted them to secondary duties, including dispatch riding, rear-area security, and occasional dismounted combat. After 1918, the Treaty of Versailles dissolved most cavalry formations, bringing an end to the classic era of German hussars. Today, their legacy survives through surviving uniforms, regimental histories, and the romantic image of the light cavalryman that captured Europe’s imagination for over a century.

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