I recently purchased this from a guy in Germany. I have had no luck in identifying what this Tschako is. I am aware that it is Prussian but trying to figure out if it is real or reproduction, what year it is from and what is wrong about it. ANY help would be great. Any help identifying what the writing on the inside says would also be very helpful. From what I can tell it says, "??L PREUSS R??" and had the numbers "1940." I have MANY additional photos if something is needed.
Tschako questions and identification
- Thread starter oldrag71
- Start date
ussguppy
Well-known member
Hello, welcome to the forum. I regret to inform you that this helmet is a total reproduction. They sell on ebay for about 100 dollars and are made in India. Hopefully you can get your money back.
Here is one:
There is a forum thread for shakos that may be helpful to see some great original examples. Comparing the two is the best start. You can see the quality of the originals.
Sometimes, people sell them on here as well.
I hope this doesn't discourage you from collecting. We have all made similair mistakes.
Gabe
Here is one:
Prussia Shako for Officer Ranks of the Jagerbatallion Tschako helmet new | eBay
We are making very nice and high quality crafted Tschako Felt Pickelhaube of the WW1 German Empire. This leather use very fine quality. The top badge made in cotton and velvet fitted by the wire. The chine scale made in leather and brass buckle.
ebay.us
There is a forum thread for shakos that may be helpful to see some great original examples. Comparing the two is the best start. You can see the quality of the originals.
Sometimes, people sell them on here as well.
I hope this doesn't discourage you from collecting. We have all made similair mistakes.
Gabe
ww1czechlegion
Well-known member
This appears to be an artificially aged modern era made shako. The eagle emblem looks to be the same type as those made currently in India. The ink stamp marking inside the top of the shako is bogus.
I would return it and get a full refund if that is possible. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Nothing about this shako is old. It has been artificially aged to make it look old.
Best Wishes,
Alan
I would return it and get a full refund if that is possible. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Nothing about this shako is old. It has been artificially aged to make it look old.
Best Wishes,
Alan
I pretty much assumed it was a reproduction so I'm not overly disappointed. For the $30 bucks I paid and with the free shipping, it was still a good deal and the only representative of a Tschacko that we have for our WW1 collection. Thank you to everybody that looked and gave the information!
John Josef
Well-known member
Hard to believe they can produce these items so cheaply have it imported into Germany and then sold on for 30 bucks and still make a profit plus free shipping they gave it away.
Glad to hear you didn't get hit too hard, sad to say new collectors get stung a lot worse daily. The Militaria Collecting hobby is a minefield of reproductions and put together pieces.
Welcome to the forum you're at the right place and many members here would be more than happy to help you navigate that minefield and see you build a nice collection.
Glad to hear you didn't get hit too hard, sad to say new collectors get stung a lot worse daily. The Militaria Collecting hobby is a minefield of reproductions and put together pieces.
Welcome to the forum you're at the right place and many members here would be more than happy to help you navigate that minefield and see you build a nice collection.
