J,
Those are considered reticulated-pattern, patriotic plates - all are very nice and thanks for taking the time to put them up for us.
Also, a great keepsake for the family of the young Ulan, he looks happy to be a member of this elite cavalry outfit.
The meaning of "Ulan" comes from the Turkish word "Oghlan," meaning, "young man." From the beginning they started as "lance-riders." The piercing-lance being the weapon of the Asian Tartars, who pushed their empire way into eastern Europe. In the mid-16th century the Polish kings named their Tartar-staffed cavalry units Oghlani, and that eventually changed again to the Polish word "Ulan." - typical Polish cavalry units. In the early 18th century, the first German Ulan-regiments were organized by August the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. At the same time the Austrians adopted these units in their cavalry.
In 1741, Frederick II of Prussia formed his first Ulan regiments. They rode small, fast horses and their tasks were reconnaissance and security duties similar to the Husars.
Until 1818 they were considered part of the "light-cavalry, but at this juncture they changed roles with the Dragoon regiments who now became the "light-cavalry." They traded their light ponies for large, sturdy horses, kept their lances and got new armored cuirasses for their new role as "heavy-cavalry," and were used as "battle-regiments." In 1889,
lances were collected from all cavalry units. During the First World War these outfits couldn't be utilized properly within the confines of static, trench warfare.
In 1919, the mounted units of the Reichswehr were given back their lances, but they were finally done away with on October 1, 1927.
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Ulanen were the four-sided tops to their helmets, called a "Tschapka," and the unique button arrangement on their Waffenrock, the Ulanka. Hope this helps a bit ..?
For those who might be interested in these early German cavalry units, I translated this from a lovely old Podzun-Verlag book, "Die Preussischen Kavallerie~Regimenter 1913-1914," by Hugo F.W. Schulz.
Best regards to all !
Bill
