Since its founding in 1836, four variants of helmets
have been part of the National Lancer uniform, the Uslan helmet from 1836 through to 1847 (not shown
here), the cavalry spiked helmet from 1875 through 1902, the Uhlan czapka from 1847 through 1965 and the
Polish czapka from 2001 through the present. Below is a brief history of each helmet.
DEFINITION - from WikipediA
Czapka is a Polish generic word for a cap. However, it is
perhaps best known to English speakers as a word for the 19th century Polish cavalry headgear,
consisting of a high, four-pointed cap with regimental insignia on the front (full name in
Polish: czapka rogatywka, initially: konfederatka). Sometimes feathers or rosettes were added
to it. After the Polish lancers proved their effectiveness during the Napoleonic Wars, armies
across Europe quickly adopted the concept of the lancer regiments, complete with the czapka as
their headdresses.
In 1914 czapkas were worn in full dress by all Imperial German, Austro-Hungarian, British,
Belgian and Russian lancer (uhlan) regiments. They varied in detail but all had the characteristic
four sided top, resembling the mortar-board of academic dress. Plumes were common and in several
of the armies named the different regiments were distinguished by the colour of the top or sides.
Belgian, Austrian and German lancers wore their czapkas on active service during the opening weeks
of the war, usually with dull coloured or waterproof covers.
During the twentieth century the czapka became one of the symbols of Polish national independence.
After World War I, the new Polish Army adopted a four-pointed form as its standard issue national
headdress in the form of a rogatywka until 1952.
.gif)
.gif)
The National Lancers wore the spiked cavalry helmet
(original helmet pictured here) from 1880 through 1902 with the blue state uniform of Massachusetts.
From 1847 to 1965, the National Lancers wore variants of the Uhlan style helmet with a sunburst
cap plate. The helmet depicted here is the latter variant of the czapka helmet worn through 1965. In 2001, the
Lancers adopted the Dutchy of Warsaw style Polish czapka (shown below).
The Polish czapka was traditional Polish mounted lancer headwear worn
in the early 1800s. The edges of the top square were reinforced with yellow metal and white capline cord
(red for elite companies) hung from corner to corner. Tall black plume was worn
on the front peak of the czapka (red for elite company and white for senior
officers). The displayed example depicts a Dutchy of Warsaw Engineers helmet with an orange
cockaid. There were also in use some non-regulation plumes cut "a la russe"
or uncut long horse hair cascading down from the top. A yellow "Amazon's Shield"
bore regimental number and a white metal eagle. Some regiments however prefered
a sunburst plaque with the eagle superimposed (the regiments formed in Lithuania
wore a mounted knight instead of eagle). Just above the turban was worn a white
band (golden for officers). This helmet design was also adopted by many of the British
mounted lancer units of the same period.
From 1965 through 2001, the National Lancers stopped wearing the Uhlan style helmet
in favor of a white cavalry stetson hat and subsequently the navy blue campaign hat.
In 2001, The
National Lancers adopted the Polish czapka (Shown here) and it has been worn since. The cockaid
can not be identified to any time period. The edges of the top square are lined
with red cord as were helmets of the napoleanic period. The white metal sunburst plaque was specifically
designed for the National Lancer is adorned with
two leaf palms surrounding the emblem of the Massachusetts Military Crest with "The Arm of God" emblem.
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
