I have seen this photo before. "This is a posed studio photograph taken in Germany in 1904 or 1905. It shows an unknown Schutztruppe Reiter shortly before his departure for South West Africa.
He wears the Schutztruppe Südwester Hat in grey felt, with blue hatband and edging for South West Africa, pinned up on the right hand side with a large imperial cockade (see right). His tunic is the 1900 Kord Litewka, with concealed buttons on the front and pockets and shoulder straps of white twisted cord with threads in red and black. He wears aiguillette twisted black/white/red cords across his left breast. These were usually only worn on parade.
He carries the Mounted Equipment and Ammunition Pouches exclusive to the Schutztruppe in brown leather with matching riding boots and stirrups. His company coloured bayonet knot can been seen at his left side. He carries his rifle with the bayonet fixed and has binoculars around his neck.
This combination of uniform and equipment were probably only seen together for a studio photograph. Aiguillette cords were not usually worn in action, while binoculars were not often worn on parade."
