I think it is a model.1923.

It looks like the letters T A V have been written on the inside of the sweatband, maybe the officer’s name or unit ?

It looks like an official badge logo of a staff with snakes, could this mean that the cap belonged to a medical officer ?

Could FM stand for Central Quartermaster or something simular as I read that officer’s uniforms were issued by the state ?

Please reply as soon as possible.

Thank You

justin1939

Attachment 342901Attachment 342902Attachment 342903Attachment 342905

Could you tell me if my cap is 100% original pre-war, please ?

Unfortunately, the pale colour of the khaki and blue wool is due to bright light.

Could you tell me which Wz it is, please ?

As it is not stiffened with a metal frame, I think it must be earlier than a Wz.35.

I think as the rank insignia is backed with red material, it means he served in the Army infantry (piechoty) reserves.

Interestingly the buttons and side badge seem to be made out of wood.

I have attached the photos.

Please reply as soon as possible.

Thank You

justin1939

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I have been doing a bit of research on the history of Cavalty Regiment 18 since becoming the custodian of a rather nice Erel produced cap which has been very thoughfully stamped, Gepruft 2/KR 18, allowing us the opportunity to try and trace a bit of its history.

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Sadly, unlike my Panzer cap the owner has remained a mystery but the research has thrown up some fabulous info (and pictures) which enable a presentation of the places this cap would have been including a picture of it possibly being worn……………..

So History first.

1919 -1934.

The Regiment was born out the creation of the Reichswehr in 1919 and was part of the 3rd cavalry division. It was designated Reiter Regiment 18 and the cadre drawn form the various cavalry regts of the old Imperial army. The secound squadron was formed by the Uhlans "King Charles" (1 of Württemburg) No.19.

The squadron was based at the Reiter barracks in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. These had been bulit in 1845 and are still there today serving as both commercial and residential property.

Attachment 342643

Officers receiving visit of Wilhelm II of Würtemberg

The barracks were renamed after 1945 to Wallace barracks and used by the US army.

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Under new management again in 2004 and undergoing rennovation.

1935-1939.

With the expansion of the Wehrmacht in 1935 the majority of the cavalry units were disbanded and used as cadre to form the new panzer units. The bulk of the 3rd division going to form the 1st panzer division.

The remaining units which included the R-R 18 were to be used as recon for the infantry divisions in the event of war and had their designation changed to cavalry regiments.

Attachment 342637

The 2nd squadron pictured at Cannstatt in late 1936. The company commander was Capt. Schonfeld and the big question….. is one of his men wearing the cap we are discussing ?

Attachment 342636

A picture taken 1937 - Ausmarsch to parade

In Aug 1939 the mobilisation saw the disbandment of the cavalry units as planned and it’s personnel used as either drivers for the baggage trains or as reconnaisance battalions.

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The 2nd squadren KR 18 went lock stock and barrel to the 35th Infantry Division and fought with them through to 1945.

The memorial to the fallen of regt 18 in Stuttgart is a testament to their individual sacrifices.

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Attachment 342644

cheers

tony