Original Imperial German Late 19th Century Prussian Model 1894 1st Foot Guards Grenadiers Mitre Cap

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a rather difficult to find Prussian M1894 Mitre. This mitre was worn by the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 1st Guard Regiment of Foot, Grenadiers. Though the cap is well worn and aged, it does appear to be complete, which is a rarity in itself! During the 18th century (and in a few cases the 19th), soldiers designated as grenadiers in various northern European armies wore a mitre (usually called a "mitre cap") similar in outline to those worn by western bishops. As first adopted in the 1680s this cap had been worn instead of the usual broad-brimmed hat to avoid the headdress being knocked off when the soldier threw a grenade. The hand grenade in its primitive form had become obsolete by the mid-18th century but grenadiers continued as elite troops in most European armies, usually retaining the mitre cap as a distinction. Militarily, this headdress came in different styles. The Prussian style had a cone-shaped brass or whi