M17 Universal Feldmütze
(M.1917 Einheits-feldmütze)
The 1917 Universal Schirmmütze and Krätzchen was introduced on 20.7.1917 to act as a hat for all troops, abandoning the older doctrine of different colored hat colors for different branches. The colored Model 07/10 Mützen were now only to be worn in garrison and no longer would the bright colors of the Imperial Army be seen on the battlefield., however in practice the earlier Feldmütze continued to be in service until after the war.
The Einheits-Mütze were made with dark green bands and piping that matched the collars on the Model 1915 Bluse. The official name of the green material in German was "Abzeichentuch" also called "Resedagrün", in english it was "Reseda Green". It was a grayed down version of pea green.
It would stand to reason that new recruits would of been issued either these, model 1907 Krätzchen in stock or field depot repaired. While replacement items would of seen the same treatment, it certainly would be easy to understand that during the winter refits that many of the regiments received before the spring offensive. During the regimental refit they would have gotten new equipment, hardware, and uniform items for the big spring offensive in 1918.
(Note, Jagers and 'Schutzen' kept their grey-green caps)
A young man wearing a M1917 Krätzchen
The sample below is a excellent Prussian text book sample from my private collection.
Cockades were sewn on by the use of linen thread, and backed by red or black wool felt. Cockades top to bottom is Reich and Prussian
Back side, you can see that the 3 seams do not make a perfect straight line. The bottom 'seam' is torn. The distance between the green band and the wool edge is 4mm.
This particular Mutze was produced and depot marked 'K.B.A.G. 1917'. The maker mark is faded, but it is marked size 54, no doubt a child was issued this piece of history. I truly hope the child lived a very long and happy life after the war.