SMGP-0977 Austro Hungary Generaloberst Conrad Hotzendorf Regimental Cap badge/tinnie

Cap Badge

When the appearance of the Austro-Hungarian army changed from 1908 onwards, after the color “pike grey” was introduced to the infantry, the colorful uniforms and headgear fell victim to standardization, making it more difficult to recognize the individual regiments. Mainly the pride in one’s own association was now to be expressed and so the first unity badges were created. These badges were officially approved. The army insignia was followed by corps, division and brigade insignia, and regimental and battalion insignia. From this point on, the “wild growth” of the cap badges begins. This was also followed by badges for Christmas, battles, spurning the enemy or military commander. For the minority, one received an official or unofficial permit from a superior, but usually one did not apply for it, so many of the badges known today had been created and issued rather unofficially. The War Ministry tried to put a stop to this uncontrolled growth in some cases and forbade, for example, the wearing of an unofficial cap badge in the decree of the Austro-Hungarian War Ministry of 28.10.1918.

The way in which the cap badges were worn was not regulated, but official instructions tried to regulate their use. They were usually worn on the left side of the cap, but sometimes above the right or, in rare cases, on the left side of the blouse. Due to the incredible variety of cap badges, several badges were very often worn at the same time.

The time of origin of most of the badges falls mainly in the years 1915 – 1916 in some cases, such as the Karl Edelweiss badge until 1917. After the war, production continued in the comradeship associations, and led to their own creations, such as the Rainerbund of the IR 59, or to a new edition, as with the Hessen – Rainer, Kaiserjägerbund in Schärding.