Austrian Cavalry cap and Inf Shako

[hottoddy]

I've had my eye on these since I started on an Austrian kick recently.

I don't actually mind if they are reproductions since I'd like to do a public display with them and my Austrian rifle collection at some point, but for clarity I would like to see what you think. The materials (worsted wool for private purchase cap) and metal fittings look believable, but little things like the chinstrap on the shako and the sweatband for the cap seem off to me.

Even to have one reproduced now the price doesn't seem bad (and I can use it), so I'm just interested in figuring out what I'm getting myself into. Supposedly he brought these things back from Prague.

P.S. I have the Ilming book but would love to hear other recommendations.

[flik]

The cap is missing a button but looks like an original privat purchase cap from the photos. The kokarede might be replaced (it looks more like an officers cap). In any case more photos would help since the reinforcing cloth on the inside looks odd from these photos.

The chako is IMO a reproduction with possibly original fittings. It seems well made dough, just has the 50s look

[kaiserwilhelm2]

I am not a fan of the Tschako - it lacks the quality I would expect of an original.

The cavalry cap is also not a one looker. If you are paying low prices and do not mind owning reproductions why not - but as reproductions are quite cheap you should not be overpaying for these.

[Brian Calkins]

I agree that the shako looks to be pieced together from some original parts.

The cap looks original pre WWI period or made no later than the 1920's for theater of veteran use. However, the white stiffener behind the lining may be a concern. If he'll do it, have the seller put it under a blacklight.

What's the asking prices?

[hottoddy]

Yeah, I thought the metal looked nice. I figure nice repro pickelhaube will run $150 +/- depending upon who makes it, so with original hardware I figure this wouldn't be cheap to make now. As for the cap, the Ilming book leads me to think that private purchase stuff was not out of the question for one-year-volunteers (and such), but maybe it is pointing me in the wrong direction! I've watched a few caps on ebay.de but can't quite get a feel for a good market price. What do you think is realistic? I have a silver button to use as a replacement for this already.

Here are a few more that show the insides under the lining.

[hottoddy]

PS. Sticker price was $400 shipped for the pair but was open to offers since no one was jumping on them (I wonder why?). I was planning on making an offer.

[kaiserwilhelm2]

An original cavalry cap would go for 350-450 usd.

[hottoddy]

Thanks guys! We worked out a deal.

I'm looking to put together some pre/early WWI material together for the display I'm working on. If anyone has some recommendations for more resources please let me know.

[flik]

As already said, the cap is not on-looker but, from this photos, I would say its ok.

[hottoddy]

Excellent! I'll give you more details when it shows up.

P.S. I think it will go well with the uniform that I already have.

[kaiserwilhelm2]

NICE

[hottoddy]

They fit in pretty well I think.

I need a smaller mannequin, I think!