Minifigure – August von Mackensen The Last Hussar German Imperial Army Field Marshals WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen (The Last Hussar – German Imperial Army)

This figure represents August von Mackensen, one of the most famous and successful German Field Marshals of World War I. He was instantly recognizable on the battlefield because he famously continued to wear the traditional uniform of the Life Hussars (Leib-Husaren) throughout the war, rather than the standard general’s uniform.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure on horseback captures the iconic “Death’s Head” appearance of the Field Marshal:

• Headgear (The Busby): He wears the distinctive Hussar Busby (Fur Cap). The defining feature is the large silver Totenkopf (Death’s Head) skull and crossbones emblem on the front. This was the historical symbol of the 1. Leib-Husaren-Regiment, symbolizing “loyalty unto death” (predating and unrelated to later WWII usage).

• Uniform:

  • The Attila Tunic: He wears the grey field version of the Hussar jacket, known as an Attila. It features elaborate black and silver braiding (frogging) across the chest, which is characteristic of cavalry officers.

  • Medals: Printed on his chest are his high decorations, likely including the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross and the star of the Order of the Black Eagle. At his neck, the blue medal represents the Pour le Mérite (“The Blue Max”), Germany’s highest military honor.

• The Face: The figure features a printed Grey Mustache, reflecting Mackensen’s appearance as an elder statesman and commander during the war.

• Mount: He is riding a Brown Cavalry Horse equipped with a black saddle, fitting for a cavalry general who spent much of his life in the saddle.

• Weapon: He carries a silver Cavalry Saber, held in his left hand.

Historical Background

• “The Old Man of the Front”: August von Mackensen (1849–1945) was a brilliant tactician who led the Central Powers to decisive victories in Serbia, Romania, and on the Eastern Front (the Gorlice-Tarnów Offensive).

• The Last Hussar: He was an embodiment of the old Prussian military tradition. Even as warfare turned to trenches and machine guns, Mackensen remained a symbol of the dashing cavalry spirit.

• Legacy: He was so respected that even after Germany’s defeat, he remained a popular figure. His uniform remains one of the most unique and recognizable of the Great War.