Der
Rittmeister Militaria, LLC. Imperial German Merchandise Page 23: Shoulder Boards and Epaulettes for Navy,
Royalty, Generals, Admirals, Air Service, Army, and Cavalry. Updated 12 March
2010. Contact us at:
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Generals - Generalfeldmarschalls - Admirals
Baden
20-135
GRAND DUKE FRIEDRICH II OF
BADEN PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A GENERALOBERST IN THE RANK OF
GENERALFELDMARSCHALL - BAVARIAN INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 8.
This is a wonderful pair of shoulder boards for Grand Duke (Großherzog)
Friedrich II of Baden. Baden was a Grand Duchy. Along with Hessen-Darmstadt,
it maintained one of the largest armies after the four kingdoms of Prussia,
Bavaria, Saxony, and Württemberg. These shoulder boards were once the
property of Friedrich II in his role as the Regimental Chef (Inhaber)
of 8. Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog Friedrich II von Baden.
The regiment was garrisoned in Metz and raised in 1753. It was assigned to
the Bavarian III. Armeekorps.
Friedrich II wore these shoulder boards when he was with "his" regiment as
its honorary Oberst. They are identical in design to any other of the
regimental officers, sporting blue chevrons on the silver bullion. Each
shoulder board displays the regimental designation "8," and the four
silver rank pips indicating Friedrich II’s formal status of Generaloberst
in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall (A true Generaloberst would have had
three pips and not four. The ceremonial rank of Generaloberst in the rank of
Generalfeldmarschall would have either four pips as these shoulder boards do, or
they would have had three pips AND the batons of a Generalfeldmarschall. In
either of these two ways the wearer would have been differentiated from a
legitimate field commander who was a Generalfeldmarschall.) These are a resplendent, rare pair
of shoulder boards for those of you with an interest in Baden, or her larger
neighbor, Bavaria.
$2,495.00 
AQ
(Click
here for more images)
Bavaria
23-116 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR
A GENERAL ADJUTANT IN THE RANK
OF GENERALLEUTNANT - BAVARIA. This is a
wonderful pair of shoulder boards for a generalleutnant who served as a
General Adjutant. At this rank and with the Wittelsbach Crown this man would
have been the Adjutant to the King of Bavaria. These shoulder boards are of the M-1910 variety. They
were used not only prior to the beginning of WW I, but also through most of
the war. [A later model is known as the M-1915. These are more commonly
called "feldgrau" shoulder boards. The gold and silver bullion braid is
no longer used and the material is subdued]. These fine shoulder boards
measure 5" x 2 1/8." If you look closely at the silver Russian braid, you will
see that it is interwoven with blue chevrons, which confirms that these are
Bavarian boards.
Each shoulder board has a gilt crown, indicating that the officer was a
General Adjutant. In addition each shoulder board has a single pip indicating
the rank of generalleutnant. These shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety
and have a red backing. The shoulder boards are far rarer than a standard
generalleutnant’s due to this officer’s service as a General Adjutant. This is
simply a superb pair of shoulder boards.
$1,495.00 AQ
(Click
here for more images)
23-249 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS TO A
GENERALLEUTNANT - BAVARIA.
I have
long wanted to be able to offer the shoulder boards of a
General Officer from the Kingdom of Bavaria. This pair is for
a Generalleutnant and bears the single pip on each shoulder
board which confirms that rank. These slip-on shoulder boards
have been worn but are still in very fine condition. They are
somewhat rounded to fit the shoulders of the owner of the
tunic. A red felt backing for the underlay completes the
presentation.
$695.00
(Click here for more images)
23-142
PAIR OF GENERALMAJOR SHOULDER BOARDS - BAVARIA.
This is an excellent
pair of shoulder boards for a generalmajor in the Kingdom of Bavaria’s Army.
They are large. Each measures 5 1/2" x 2 1/4." They have alternating rows of
silver and gold bullion ropes. The blue chevrons that indicate they are for
Bavaria are clearly seen on the silver ropes. Red felt backing and the
straps for attaching these to a tunic are on the reverse. The reverse is in
excellent condition.
I want to draw your attention to the system used here for securing the
shoulder boards to a tunic. It is the very unique washer and pin system
favored by senior Bavarian officers. A pair of plain silver buttons are
attached to the shoulder boards and held in place by the washer and pin. The
obverse of these shoulder boards is exceptional. Aside from a bit of patina,
they are in mint condition.
$1,250.00
(Click
here for more images)
Oldenburg
20-190 PAIR OF M-1910 FELDGRAU
SHOULDER BOARDS IN THE RANK OF GENERAL der KAVALLERIE FOR DRAGONER-REGIMENT Nr 19 GRAND DUKE FRIEDRICH AUGUST - OLDENBURG.
This is a pair of M-1910 Feldgrau shoulder boards in the rank of General
der Kavallerie. These shoulder boards were the personal property of Grand
Duke Friedrich August of Oldenburg. The Grand Duchy of Oldenburg was a
relatively small duchy. Their militaria was also correspondingly small and
they fielded one cavalry regiment, Oldneburgisches
Dragoner-Regiment Nr 19 (founded in 1849 and garrisoned in
Oldenburg), one infantry regiment, Oldneburgisches
Infantrie-Regiment Nr 91 (founded in 1813 and garrisoned in
Oldenburg), and two batteries of artillery in Ostfreisisches
Feldartellerie-Regiment Nr 62 (founded in 1899 and garrisoned
in Oldenburg). These units composed the entire military contingent from
Oldenburg. Grand Duke was the regimental chef or Inhaber of
Oldneburgisches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 19 and thus these shoulder
boards would have been for his tunic while riding with his regiment. These
shoulder boards are subdued which was the primary difference for shoulder
boards for use after 1910 in Oldenburg with the introduction of Feldgrau
tunics. These boards are of the slip on variety and bear the crowned royal
cypher "A". Each measures 4" x 1 3/4". They also bear the double pips of a
General der Kavallerie. The backing of the boards are a medium blue. These
are in excellent condition.
$2,395.00
(Click here for more images)
Prussia
23-85 PAIR OF SHOULDER
BOARDS FOR A GENERAL À LA
SUITE - PRUSSIA.
This is a wonderful pair of prewar style shoulder boards
which would be correct for a Prussian General
à la Suite. The basic shoulder boards
are comparable to any Prussian general’s shoulder boards
in that they have the one strand of silver embroidered braid
displaying Prussia’s black chevrons. On either side of
the silver are gilt-toned embroidered ropes. The real
difference on these shoulder boards lies with the Cypher of
Wilhelm and the crown. Like the General
à la Suite pickelhaube, which has
silver furniture, these shoulder boards also sport silver
cyphers and crowns. These would date from about 1890 to 1910.
They are quite charming. They present a red backing on the
reverse. They feature, of course, the desirable slip-on
design. This pair is very handsome and quite
difficult-to-obtain. $1,795.00 . . .
(Click here for more images)
23-126
PAIR OF DRESS EPAULETTES - GENERAL der KAVALLERIE von HÄNISCH - IN THE ORIGINAL
STORAGE BOX. This is a magnificent pair of dress epaulettes
that were once the property of General der Kavallerie von Hänisch. While I
have few details on von Hänisch, he was the Regimental Chef of
Ulanen-Regiment von Katzler (Schlesisches) Nr 2. This
regiment was founded in 1745, making it among the German Army’s oldest. It
was garrisoned at Gleiwitz-Pleß and attached to the VI. Armeekorps.
These epaulettes were worn by von Hänisch when he was with "his"
regiment. Each of the epaulettes has the general’s pattern of tightly
coiled braid (only used on general’s-level epaulettes). The epaulettes feature gilt trim at the top and a red felt background. On this
background is the regimental number "2" and the two gilt pips of a
General der Kavallerie. The underlay is also red, with some information
marked out in black. [This is often the case (still) when German families
sell items belonging to their fathers or grandfathers. They often do NOT
want to see their family name left on the militaria]. Both of these
epaulettes are in marvelous condition. This is in part because they have been
housed for years in their original storage carton. Since general’s dress
epaulets were large, the storage box was equally spacious. This is a
very showy pair of epaulettes in prime condition.
$4,295.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-274 M-1915 FELDGRAU GENERAL der INFANTERIE
SHOULDER BOARDS - ARMEEKORPS Nr 26 - PRUSSIA.
This is a wonderful pair of M-1915 feldgrau a General der Infanterie
shoulder boards. A General der Infanterie was the equivalent of a U. S. Army
Lieutenant General. Typically, a General der Infanterie commanded an
ArmeeKorps, which consisted of three or more divisions. This ArmeeKorps
was established before/after WW I’s buildup and outbreak. Another way to think
of feldgrau shoulder boards is as "subdued," not as flashy or colorful
as the prewar variety. For some reason I do not fully understand, I do not see
as many M-1915 shoulder boards as I do prewar variety. Generals, of
course, were not obligated to use the M-1915 style, especially not the
more senior generals, who often used the prewar style.
Each shoulder board measures 4 1/4" x 1 3/4." It features a subdued, golden,
Russian-style bullion rope intertwined with a feldgrau rope. The rope
displays the small white and black chevrons that indicate the officer was
Prussian. Two gilt pips confirm his rank. [Note: On German general’s shoulder
boards: No pips indicate a Generalmajor, one pip is a Generalleutnant, two
pips mean a General der Infanterie, Kavallerie, or Artillerie, and three pips
mean a Generaloberst. A Generalfeldmarschall had crossed batons. Four pips
were used for a Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall, as were
three pips with crossed batons. The final rank was reserved for royalty acting
in an à la Suite capacity]. The number "26" between the two rank pips
identifies ArmeeKorps Nr 26. Each shoulder board is set on a white trim
that extends all around the shoulder board’s edges. The same material serves
as its backing.
By examining the shoulder boards’ sides and reverses, you can determine that
the officer chose to sew them onto his tunic rather than using the slip-on
method. Since the two boards have been removed from a tunic, the white
material has separated as a result of being cut from the tunic. This is a
minor flaw.
These are a very rare and important pair of shoulder boards. The new owner can
spend some time researching the various general(s) who served as ArmeeKorps
Nr 26 commander(s) from 1915 through 1918.
$1,995.00
(Click here for more images)
23-125 IDENTIFIED PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR GENERAL der INFANTERIE AND
ADJUTANT TO KAISER WILHELM II.
This
pair of shoulder boards once belonged to Freiherr Moritz von Lyncker. The
shoulder boards are in the rank of General der Infantrie (equivalent to a
Lieutenant General [three stars] in the U.S. Army) AND
Adjutant to Kaiser Wilhelm II. Each of these shoulder boards has alternating
bands of silver-gold, Russian-style embroidered rope. The silver portions
present black chevrons, confirming his Prussian status. Two silver pips of
rank are featured with a gold crown. Below that is the cypher of Wilhelm
Rex. Von Lyncker was born in 1853. He served as a field officer in a number
of elite regiments, including the 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß. He
was first promoted to General (Generalmajor) in 1901. He served as the
General Adjutant to Kaiser Wilhelm II. He was not only Wilhelm’s
highest-ranking military aide, but also served as Chief of the Military
Cabinet. He held these two positions from 1908 to 1918. As a close confidant
to the royal family, von Lyncker also served as a mentor to the young
princes of Prussia, including Krone Prinz Wilhelm. He ultimately was
promoted one rank higher than General der Infantrie, to Generaloberst. He
was also awarded the Orden Pour le Mérite in November 1917. He died in 1932.
This is an historically significant pair of shoulder boards, in mint
condition, to an important member of the German military.
$1,495.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-248 PAIR OF SHOULDER
BOARDS FOR A GENERAL ADJUTANT TO KAISER WILHELM II IN THE
RANK OF GENERAL DER INFANTRIE - PRUSSIA. This
pair of shoulder boards would date to approximately 1890.
They are of the slip-on variety and are very unusual. While
they are for a General der Infantrie (equal to a three star
or a Lt. General in the U. S. Army) this general also served
as Wilhelm II's Adjutant and senior military advisor. In that
capacity this officer would have served as the liaison
between Wilhelm II and the General Staff. Each of these
shoulder boards has two silver pips and the gilt toned Crown
and Cypher of Wilhelm II. Only Wilhelm and those who directly
represented him would have been allowed to wear this device.
As a further side bar, there was a special badge that would
have been worn on the left breast of the tunic that would
have identified the wearer and his capacity. There was more
than one man at a time who served as Adjutant. Generally
speaking, the Junior Adjutant would have been an Oberst. $1,295.00
(Click here for more images)
23-266 SINGLE
GENERAL der INFANTERIE SHOULDER BOARD - KAISER ALEXANDER
GARDE-GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 1 - PRUSSIA.
This is a single General der Infanterie’s shoulder board from Kaiser
Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1. The regiment, along with 1.
Garde-Regiment zu Fuß, was one of the two
most elite infantry regiments in the Prussian Army. These two regiments
were unique among Prussian infantry regiments in that they still utilized
mitres for special parade occasions. Both of these regiments, along with
the Regiment der Garde du Corps, were filled with the flower of
Prussian royalty and nobility. Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr
1 was raised in 1814, during the height of the Napoleonic Wars. It was
named in honor of Prussia’s ally, Tsar Alexander of Russia. It was garrisoned
in Berlin. Like all Garde-Regiments, it was a part of the GardeKorps.
This massive shoulder board boasts the large crowned (Russian style) cypher
"A" for Alexander, with a "1" for the first of the
Garde-Grenadier-Regiments. Two gilt-toned pips indicate the rank. The
shoulder boards measure a massive 5 3/4" x 2 1/2." They have a white underlay.
If we look at our 1914 Rangliste for the regiment, we see a General der
Infanterie Freiherr von Scheffer-Boyadel listed as an à la Suite to the
regiment. As he was the only officer of this rank attached to the regiment,
then clearly this once belonged to him. I see that the man held no other
responsibilities at this time, so he was probably retired. He still retained
an honorary position with the regiment. It is a very handsome shoulder board.
The crown and cypher are just beautiful, quite large and thick.
$695.00AQ
(Click here for more images)
23-226 SINGLE GENERALLEUTNANT
A la SUITE SHOULDER BOARD - PRUSSIA.
This is a single Prussian Army generalleutnant’s shoulder board. The
shoulder board measures 5 1/4" x 2 1/4." It displays red felt backing. It has gilt
and silver "Russian" bullion rope braid. The silver braid sports Prussia’s
black chevrons. Since the shoulder board is for a generalleutnant, it boasts
a single pip. The rank of generalleutnant is similar to that of a major
general in the U.S. Army.
$325.00AQ
(Click here for more images)
23-221 SINGLE GENERALLEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARD - PRUSSIA.
This is a single generalleutnant shoulder board from the Prussian Army.
The board dates from about 1910. It features silver and gold "Russian"
braid. The silver braid sports the black chevrons indicating the man came
from Prussia. A single gilt pip denotes his rank of generalleutnant. The
reverse features red felt backing, and the tab by which this slip-on
shoulder board was attached to the tunic. The shoulder board measures 4 1/2" x
2." $365.00
(Click here for more images)
13-552
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A GENERALMAJOR IN THE NAVY SEE-BATTALION.
Prior to the beginning of WW I, the Navy See-Battalion (similar to the
U.S. Marines serving as shipboard troops, overseas embassy guards, and an
elite infantry unit in China) was a relatively small group. It was formed into
three battalions, with one of them (Battalion Nr 3) permanently
stationed in China. Once WW I began, the See-Battalion was expanded,
along with all other German Navy and Army Forces. The Germans had a
substantial group stationed in Flanders, which was then termed
Marine-Infantrie. Naval artillery also was stationed there, as well as
Marine Jastas, which fought with the Army’s Jastas. [As an aside,
Flanders yielded several naval aces, and even a PLM-winner or two].
Even during WWI, the See-Battalions held a relatively small number of
men when compared to their Army counterparts, so items from these units are
always more difficult-to-find.
Today we are offering a pair of Generalmajor’s shoulder boards from the
See-Battalion. (Please note that the See-Battalion used Army ranks
rather than Navy ranks, just as does the
USMC). At first glance, these look like standard German Army
Generalmajor’s shoulder boards. If you look at the chevrons on the silver
rope, however, and at the white underlay, you can clearly see the difference.
The shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety, as was common for officers of
this rank. Some pulling and minor separation appears at the top of the two
boards, where the tunic’s button would go. The alternating ropes of
gold and silver bullion have come loose. Undoubtedly, these are some of the
rarest shoulder boards we have ever offered. Even during the height of WW I,
relatively few general officers were attached to the See-Battalions.
$2,395.00AQ
(Click
here for more images)
23-225 M-1915 SINGLE GENERALMAJOR SHOULDER BOARD
- PRUSSIA. This is an M-1915 Generalmajor’s shoulder board from
Prussia in fine condition. It is a wartime
pattern, and would have been used on a feldgrau tunic. It has red
backing, and the attachment to slip it onto a tunic.
$350.00
(Click here for more images)
23-222 SINGLE GENERALMAJOR SHOULDER BOARD - PRUSSIA.
This is a single Generalmajor shoulder board from the Prussian Army. The
shoulder board is quite large, measuring 6 1/2" x 2 3/4." It dates from 1880, and
possibly might have come from an overcoat. It displays fantastic silver and
gilt "Russian" braid. The silver braid sports the black chevrons indicating
the man came from Prussia. The shoulder board’s obverse is simply brilliant.
It is in amazing condition for being 100+ years old. The shoulder board’s
reverse is trimmed in red felt. It is a slip-on shoulder board, with the tab
for attaching it to a tunic.
$325.00
(Click here for more images)
Saxony
20-152
KING FRIEDRICH AUGUST III - DRESS EPAULETTES - RANK - GENERALFELDMARSCHALL
-
ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX - SAXONY.
Here, we are offering a perfectly sublime
pair of Generalfeldmarschall’s dress ("banjo-style") epaulettes from
Saxony’s King Friedrich August III (1865-1932). These epaulettes date from 1912 to 1918,
when the King was Saxony’s only Generalfeldmarschall. As is typical for
a general’s rank (generalmajor and above), the epaulettes are MASSIVE. Each
epaulettes gigantic, descending silver ringlets. Gilt-toned "moons" shine above
this. The narrow-striped, silver, metallic material atop the epaulettes is of the
highest quality. Magnificent, crossed, Generalfeldmarschall’s batons are
centered over the silver material. Each baton measures an impressive 2 1/4" in length. A
special, Saxon-style general’s button is attached to the end of each epaulette.
These buttons are unique to Saxon generals.
The epaulettes have a red wool underlay. Gilt attaching devices that
affix the epaulettes to a tunic are evident in the underlay. Each of the
attaching devices bears its Dresden manufacturer’s name. Also on the reverse
is a leather liner where the silver ringlets are attached.
These extremely impressive epaulettes come housed in their original
storage box. The box is lined in yellow cotton, with a red cotton pillow-type
base to protect the epaulettes. Tie downs are present to secure the
epaulettes. Another yellow pillow lies atop the epaulettes to further cushion
and protect them. This is an amazing piece of history. It reveals the luxury
and majesty of an Imperial German King.
$8,495.00
(Click
here for more images)
20-188 GENERALFELDMARSCHALL SHOULDER BOARDS - ULANEN-REGIMENT Nr 16 - KING
FRIEDRICH AUGUST III - SAXONY.
This spectacular
pair of shoulder boards was once the property of König Friedrich August III
(1865-1932) of Saxony. König Friedrich August III was the Inhaber
(Regimental Chef) of Ulanen-Regiment Hennings von Treffenfeld (Altmäkisches)
Nr 16. This was a Prussian regiment, raised in1866. It was garrisoned at
Salzwedel-Gardelegen, where it was a part of the IV. ArmeeKorps.
As the regiment’s honorary oberst, he wore a tunic identical to "his" men,
only with his Generalfeldmarschall’s rank. This is important to know. If
Friedrich August III had worn shoulder boards from one of his Saxon regiments’
tunics, they would have called for green chevrons on the silver bullion,
rather than the correct Prussian black on these. [This may be an obvious
observation to you more advanced collectors, but for those who are not as well
versed in shoulder boards, it is good bit of information to tuck away. Those
who try to fake shoulder boards may not be fully aware of their nuances. This
is one way to catch them before they catch you]!
It is also important to know that König Friedrich August III received the rank
of Generalfeldmarschall on 11 September 1912. This dates the shoulder
boards from 1912 to 1916, even though these are M-1902 shoulder
boards. The M-1915 feldgrau shoulder boards were later
introduced to replace this style and more correctly match feldgrau
tunics. While it is possible that he wore these after 1916, their approximate
era should be noted. They would have been worn on an ulanka in the
Prussian pattern.
Each of the shoulder boards measures 5" x 2." The basic design is two gold
bullion ropes with a silver bullion rope between them. As previously stated,
each of the silver bullion ropes has black chevrons designed into it. This
confirms their status as Prussian. A silver crown also appears, representing
the House of Wettin, Saxony’s Royal House. Directly below the crown is a
beautiful pair of Generalfeldmarschall’s crossed batons. They are made of
silver. One can clearly see the alternating crowns and eagles on them.
Superimposed over the batons is König Georg’s royal cypher, "GR," for
Georg Rex. It was introduced to the regiment in 1902, when his father
assumed the throne. Each shoulder board’s underlay is dark blue. One of the
shoulder boards has some scattered moth nips on the underlay. The condition of
the boards’ obverse is excellent plus. A gentle toning or patina appears on
each board. They are fantastic attention-getters. Material for Saxon royalty
(especially the Königs) is quite difficult-to-find.
$9,495.00
(Click here for more images)
23-50 SHOULDER
BOARDS - KING FRIEDRICH AUGUST III
OR KING GEORG - GENERALFELDMARSCHALL - SAXONY.
This is a first-rate pair of shoulder boards
that once belonged to either King Georg or King Friedrich August III as a Generalfeldmarschall in the Saxon Army.
They were the only men to hold that rank from 1902 onward with the death of
King Albert (1828-1902) the brother of King Georg (1832-1902). These
shoulder boards would date from approximately 1902-1918. They show
appropriate aging for items that have seen extensive use and
are more than 100-years-old. The shoulder boards have
beautifully-toned gilt and silver embroidered ropes. In the
center is a very handsome pair of crossed batons for a
Generalfeldmarschall. There is a gilt button in each board.
The underlay of the boards is red. This is a high-caliber
pair of shoulder boards. These are far more difficult to find
than Prussian shoulder boards. They are VERY fairly priced.
$3,995.00
(Click here for more images)
23-286 GENERAL À la SUITE
- RANK - GENERAL der INFANTERIE - EPAULETTES - SAXONY.
General
officer’s epaulettes are always prized. This set is especially interesting as
they have a lot going for them. These epaulettes are for a General à la Suite
from the Kingdom of Saxony. In addition to being for an à la suite officer,
they are in the rank of General der Infanterie (or Kavallerie or Artillerie,
for that matter). Virtually all of the materials are silver-toned. This
includes the officer’s pips, the moon-shaped trim. Red trim appears on the
edge of the tongue ringlets, background and the bulk of the "tongue," which
permitted the epaulettes being mounted on a tunic. On this "tongue," we also
see a red trim band and two embedded green bands (indicating Saxony). You
will also note that each epaulette has a silver, Saxon-style button at the
"tongue’s" end. As we examine the epaulettes’
reverse, we see a red felt background, a blue velvet trim, and a substantial
leather backing. Some wear shows at the "tongue’s" end, with respect to the
red covering. This is a very high-quality pair of epaulettes.
$1,795.00
(Click here for more images)
Oberst - Oberstleutnant
20-252
PAIR OF OBERST EPAULETTES IN A DELUXE PRESENTATION CASE TO THE FIRST
COMMANDER OF FÜSILIE
R-REGIMENT Nr 86
- KAISERIN AUGUSTA VIKTORIA GIFT.
This week
we are offering one of the most amazing and beautiful royalty gifts
we have ever been able to offer. It
is a one-of-a-kind gift of incredibly superior quality. The presentation’s
basis is a pair of oberst’s epaulettes from Füsilier-Regiment Königin
(Schleswig-Holsteinsches) Nr 86. The regiment was founded in1866. Battalion Nr’s 1
and 2 were garrisoned at Flensburg, while Battalion Nr 3 was based at Sonderburg. The regiment was attached to the IX. ArmeeKorps. In 1890 the regiment was renamed to Füsilier-Regiment Königin
(Schleswig-Holsteinsches) Nr 86 from what it had been formerly known as
at the time of its inception. Also, it received a
very royal Regimental Chef as its patron. The royal personage was
none other than Augusta Viktoria, Kaiserin of Germany and Königin
of Prussia. (She was a princess from Schleswig-Holstein when she married
Kronprinz Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) in 1881).
The reorganized regiment’s first commander was Oberst Berger. In a special
ceremony at Potsdam’s Neuen Palais, the Kaiserin presented Oberst
Berger with his epaulettes as the "new" regiment’s commander. The ceremony
took place on 22 October 1890. It is one thing to say that the Kaiserin
presented him with the epaulettes. As the Kaiserin’s royal gift, it was more
a matter of the presentation’s intricate embellishment. The epaulettes were
presented to Oberst Berger in a massive, handsome, black, velvet-covered
box. The box measures 15 3/4" x 10" x 5 1/2." With the epaulettes in place, it weighs
a hefty 8 lbs. Its top lid features the Kaiserin’s crowned royal cypher. The
cypher itself measures 2" x 1 3/4," while the crown above it measures
1 1/4" x 1 1/2."
Below them is a brass plaque that measures 6 1/4" x 1 1/2." Four small corner screws
secure it to the case’s top. The plaque’s engraved message reads:
"Von Ihren Majestät der Kaiserin und Königin Augusta
Victoria
dem Oberst Berger, Kommandeur des Füsilier-Regiments
Königin,
am 22. Oktober 1890 im Neuen Palais bei Potsdam
Allergnädigst verliehen."
This translates as "From your Majesty the Kaiserin and Queen Augusta
Viktoria to Colonel Berger, Commander of t
he Queen’s Füsilier Regiments
on 22 October 1890 in the New Palace at Potsdam/Most favorably conferred."
As we lift the box’s lid, we see a massive pair of oberst’s epaulettes.
The epaulettes’ top is either white wool or felt. Mounted to each one are an oberst’s twin pips with the Kaiserin’s large, crowned, royal cypher between
them. Each epaulette is held in place by a pedestal, which allows their
tasteful display. The epaulettes "moons" are gold, as are the ringlets that
hang down from it. These epaulettes are MINT. I seriously doubt that they
ever were worn. In my opinion, the epaulettes were such a special gift that
Oberst Berger did not want the originals damaged, and probably ordered
another pair for his dress uniform.
As fantastic as are the epaulettes, the box which houses them is even more
entrancing. Once the upper lid is in the "open" position, another set of
hinges allows the front flap to be folded down for the epaulettes’ easy
removal. The box’s whole interior is lined with first-quality, light-blue
silk. Information about the manufacturer appears in the upper lid’s right
corner. The four lines of information are:
"M. Neumann
Hoflieferant (Purveyor)
Sr. Majestät d Kaisers u. Königs
Berlin, Friedrichstr. 95"
M. Neumann was the Imperial Family’s Godet & Sohn for
uniform-related items. Although I have describe
d the epaulettes’ and
presentation case’s superiority, I must emphasize it once more. Naturally,
as a royal purveyor the Neumann firm took extreme care in turning out the
best possible gift when the Empress requested it. Yes, I have offered
royalty’s shoulder boards and epaulettes before, but never a gift set like
this. I would not be surprised if more than one-hundred-nineteen years ago, Oberst Berger displayed these beauties on his desk or an office table to showcase this token of the
Kaiserin’s favor.
A little research by our resident rangliste expert, Paul Chepurko,
reveals that our man was Otto Adolf Berger. He was promoted to Generalmajor
a year after his appointment to head Füsilier-Regiment Königin
(Schleswig-Holsteinsches) Nr 86. This took place in 1891. He was further
promoted to Generalmajor in 1895. His final command was the 58.
Infanterie-Brigade. He retired with the rank of Generalleutnant a. D. He died in 1910. [Paul supplies the wonderful cd’s and
books on our
Rangliste
Merchandise Page (click here to see).
In less
than five minutes he gave me information on the balance of Berger’s career,
including all of the decorations that he ever received]! It is a beautiful
presentation, truly one-of-a-kind. We have some other research material that
will come with this set to assist you in your enjoyment of this historic
royal gift. $15,995.00
(Click here for more images)
20-226 PRINZ FRANZ OF BAVARIA’S EPAULETTES - REGIMENTAL
COMMANDER AND OBERST - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr
2 - BAVARIA - ORIGINAL
STORAGE CASE.
Prinz Franz (1875-1957) of Bavaria
was Kronprinz Ruprecht’s (1869-1955) younger brother. Their father was König
Ludwig III (1845-1921) of Bavaria. Like his older brother Prinz Ruprecht,
Prinz Franz had a military career, although it was less distinguished. Both
brothers commanded the 2. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz at different
times. This very proud regiment was founded in 1682, making it one of the
Bavarian Army’s two oldest infantry regiments. It was garrisoned in München
and attached to the Bavarian I. Armeekorps. Prinz Ruprecht commanded
the regiment in 1899, until he was promoted to generalmajor and assumed other
responsibilities. Ultimately, Prinz Ruprecht achieved the rank of
Generalfeldmarschall. I do not have the exact dates when Prinz Franz commanded
the 2. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz. It was from before WW I to
slightly before or after WW I erupted. He then was promoted to generalmajor
and commanded an infantry brigade throughout the war.
Each of the epaulettes is framed by a gilt "moon." Its
background is red (wool) felt. Mounted on the background is the regiment’s
massive crowned cypher. It is so large it spills over the gilt "moon frame’s"
edges. Flanking the cypher are two pips indicating an oberst’s rank. Silver
ringlets hang down from the frame. This adornment was used only on a major’s,
oberstleutnant’s, or oberst’s epaulettes. Whether for a lower or higher rank,
all other epaulettes were significantly different. The epaulette’s "tongue"
sports silver bullion tape embedded with blue, further confirming the
epaulette is Bavarian. Each epaulette features a plain, gold-toned button.
When one turns them over, they display the typical Bavarian washer and cotter
pin securing them to the tunic. The reverse sports the same red material as is
present on the obverse.
These beautiful epaulettes come in their original storage
case. No markings whatsoever appear for Prinz Franz either on or in the case.
Inside is a pedestal on which they sit. A nifty little ribbon secures them
with a little bow. I really like these epaulettes. They hail from a less well
known Wittelsbach prince. When his older brother, Kronprinz Albrecht, died in
1955, Prinz Franz became the Bavarian
throne’s pretender until his death in 1957. Included with the
epaulettes is a copy from the Rangliste that shows Prinz Franz as
oberst and commander of 2. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz.
Interestingly, his older brother, Kronprinz Ruprecht, was the regiment’s
Inhaber (its honorary oberst and patron)!
$2,895.00
(Click here for more images)
23-74 PAIR OF DRESS
EPAULETTES FOR AN OBERST IN GARDE
- ULANEN - REGIMENT Nr 2 - PRUSSIA.
This pair of dress (banjo style) epaulettes would have
been correct for an oberst in Prussia’s
Garde-Ulanen-Regiment Nr 2. The epaulettes
have a red background with the double pips and ringlets indicative of an oberst. The epaulettes show some wear
and toning. Overall, they are in well-above-average
condition. $650.00 . .
(Click here for more
images)
23-127
PAIR OF DRESS EPAULETTES FOR AN OBERST - 1. ARMEEKORPS. This is a
gorgeous pair of epaulettes for an oberst serving on the 1.
Armeekorps’ staff. The epaulettes sport a loosely coiled braid
(ringlets) along with a
tarnished gilt trim around the top. The felt background is white, or
possibly gray (due to age) with an oberst’s double gilt pips. Some minor
moth tracking appears. Each epaulette presents a red underlay.
$475.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-217
PAIR OF
M-1915 SHOULDER BOARDS - OBERST - 1. GARDE-REGIMENT zu
FUß - PRUSSIA. This is a very fine pair of M-1915 shoulder boards for
an Oberst and commander of 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. This regiment was
raised in 1688. It was garrisoned in Potsdam and was assigned to the
Garde-Korps. This regiment was one of the oldest and certainly the most
elite in the Prussian army. Every officer in the regiment came from the
nobility or royalty AND there were more a la Suite officers (20+) attached to
this regiment than any other regiment in the German army. This pair of
shoulder boards is subdued which would make them of the M-1915 variety and
which would have been used exclusively on Feldgrau tunics. Each shoulder board
bears the double pip of an Oberst. You need to look at these very carefully as
they have very subtle detail which identifies them to 1. Garde-Regiment zu
Fuß. Under the Russian braid which is gray with black and white chevrons
we see TWO underlays. The first is a gorgeous silver bullion which corresponds
to the silver of an Epaulette to this regiment. Under that silver bullion we
see a further underlay of white. When I had the chance to acquire these I
started doing some research as 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß is one of my
personal favorite regiments and I always seek out material from that regiment
whenever it is available. I first started with the Rangliste from 1914 and the
1914-1918 Rangliste to see who the commanders of this regiment might have
been. In looking at the 1914 Rangliste I saw that an Oberstleutnant von Hahnse
was appointed regimental commander on 27 January 1914. In looking at the
1914-1918 Rangliste, von Hahnse was the regimental commander at the end of the
war. As was the practice in the German army when an officer went into
retirement he was granted one rank higher than what his last posting was thus
it is likely that von Hahnse was retired as an Oberst a.D. This shoulder
boards would them have been allowed on his uniform showing his final rank. The
bump of promotion was a two fold practice: to honor a man who had served the
army faithfully and to pump up his retirement pay by paying at a higher rank.
This is a super pair of shoulder boards to the most elite infantry regiment in
the Prussian army and among the most well known of all German infantry
regiments. $695.00
(Click here for more images)
23-229
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR AN OBERST - BEZIRKS-KOMMANDO Nr 47 - SAXONY.
This is an interesting pair of oberst’s shoulder boards from Saxony’s
Bezirks-Kommando Nr 47. A Bezirks-Kommando was a training
district for new recruits and reservists who were being prepared to go to
various units. These are very large and ornate shoulder boards (each
measures 5" x 2"). They feature the green Saxon thread in the silver
bullion. Each shoulder board displays the numeral "47." While these are for an oberst, one of the two shoulder boards is missing its
second gilt pip. Each shoulder board, which is of the slip-on variety, has
red backing and a gold button for mounting on the tunic. The price of the
pair more than reflects the missing pip. Perhaps you can find a replacement
for it.
$350.00
(Click here for more images)
23-290
PAIR OF OBERST SHOULDER BOARDS - 5. GARDE-REGIMENT zu FUß OR
GARDE-GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 5 - PRUSSIA. This is a fine pair of pre WW I
shoulder boards for an oberst and regimental commander of 5. Garde-Regiment zu
Fuß, or Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 5. These two regiments were founded in 1897.
They were the last two Garde-Infanterie-Regiments created. Both were garrisoned
at Spandau near Berlin and attached to the GardeKorps. Each shoulder board
measures X4 1/2” x 2 1/4.” They feature black chevrons on silver bullion. The two
gilt-toned pips for an oberst are in place. A white trim and underlay can be
seen from above, and when looking at the reverse. The shoulder boards are in
exceptional condition. These two regiments could not have had many commanders
for the period from 1897 through 1918, so the opportunities for research are
quite good.
$550.00
(Click here for more images)
23-149 PAIR OF OBERST SHOULDER BOARDS -
INFANTERIE-REGIMENT
Nr 12 - SAXONY. This is an
extremely fine pair of daily-wear shoulder boards for an oberst, who was
also the regimental commander. Each of the shoulder boards has the double
pips of an oberst, along with the regimental designation ("12"). This
was for Königl Sächs 12 Infanterie-Regiment Nr 177. This was one of
the final regiments created (three others were created in 1897 and one in
1912). This was an 1897-created regiment. It was garrisoned in Dresden,
where it was attached to the XII. Armeekorps. Each of the shoulder
boards displays a gilt button. The boards are of the slip-on variety, with a
red backing. The condition is quite pleasing and displays a fine patina.
$625.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-205 OBERST
AND REGIMENTAL COMMANDER SINGLE SHOULDER BOARD INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr
86 - PRUSSIA. This is an Oberst and Regimental
Commander’s single shoulder board from Füßilier (Infanterie)-Regiment Könign
(Schleswig-Holsteinsches) Nr 86. The regiment was established in 1866.
Battalions Nr I and Nr II were garrisoned at Flensburg (in modern day
Denmark), while Battalion Nr III was posted to Sonderburg. The entire regiment
was attached to the IX. Armeekorps. It was a Prussian regiment that
came from former Schleswig-Holstein, which was taken over in the 1864 War.
The shoulder board is massive, measuring 5" x 2." Two gold pips appear for the
rank of Oberst. Between the two pips is the oversized, crowned, royal cypher.
The Regimental Chef for this regiment was Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria, the wife
of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The backing of the slip-on shoulder board is white. It
is a very impressive shoulder board. Its owner was not afraid to pay top
dollar (Mark?) for such topnotch merchandise. The regiment’s commander during
WW I was an Oberst von Obernitz. Whether this is his shoulder board or an
earlier Oberst’s, I cannot say.
$425.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-309 XES OBERST SINGLE SUBDUED SHOULDER BOARD - AUSTRIA.
This is a
consignment item. It is a single shoulder board from a unit in the
Austro-Hungarian Army. The shoulder board measures 4" x 1 3/4." The bullion rope
base is a subdued gilt intertwined with green thread. At the shoulder board’s
top, where the button is attached, the green bullion has lifted somewhat and
will not lie down flat. Between the oberst’s two gilt pips is a royal cypher for
"HV" or "VH." A red trim base runs along it, with a black
underlay.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-310 XES OBERST SINGLE SUBDUED SHOULDER BOARD - AUSTRIA. This is a
consignment item. It is a single shoulder board from a unit in the
Austro-Hungarian Army. The shoulder board measures 4" x 1 1/2." The bullion rope
base is a subdued gilt intertwined with green thread. Between the oberst’s two
gilt pips is a royal cypher for "HV" or "VH." A red trim base runs
along it, with a black underlay.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-185 PAIR OF
SHOULDER BOARDS FOR AN OBERSTLEUTNANT IN TRAIN-BATTALION Nr 7 -
PRUSSIA.
These are an oberstleutnant’s shoulder
boards from Westfälische Train-Abteilung Nr 7. The unit was formed in
1853 and garrisoned in Münster. It was attached to the VII. Armeekorps.
Each shoulder board carries a single pip for an oberstleutnant and a "7" for the unit. The shoulder boards are in very fine condition.
$350.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-170
PAIR OF OBERSTLEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - SAXONY.
This is a pair of oberstleutnant’s shoulder boards from the Saxony Army. They
have a different rope-like surface from the shoulder boards for officers among
the ranks of leutnant through hauptmann. This design is for officers from the
rank of major through oberst, before changing to the pattern used by all
general officers. The chevrons of these boards are green, which is correct for
Saxony. They also have the single pip of an oberstleutnant. The backing of the
boards is also an extended green. Both are in excellent condition.
$350.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-231 XES
OBERSTLEUTNANT’S SHOULDER BOARDS - HUSAREN-REGIMENT OR
ULANEN-REGIMENT - SAXONY. This is a consignment item. It is a pair
of oberstleutnant’s shoulder boards from a cavalry regiment (either a
Husaren-Regiment or an Ulanen-Regiment). Each shoulder board
sports a single gilt pip. The shoulder boards have a light-blue backing
which extends past the boards’ edges. They are both of the sewn-in variety. $295.00
(Click here for more images)
Major - Rittmeister
- Hauptmann
20-192 PRINZ ALFONS’ EPAULETTES - 1.
SCHWERES-REITER-REGIMENT - RANK - MAJOR - BAVARIA.
Once
again our old friend Prinz Alfons (1862-1933) of Bavaria makes an appearance
on the pages of Der Rittmeister Militaria. Prinz Alfons was Prinz Adalbert of
Bavaria’s second son. Although a House of Wittelsbach member, Prinz Alfons was
well down on the Bavarian throne’s successor list. After serving as Prinz
Regent for years, Ludwig III was elevated to König (when "Mad" Ludwig II died). This meant Kronprinz Ruprecht became the
Bavarian heir apparent. Of course, he never became king because the empire
fell in 1918. Prinz Alfons joined the Army in 1891 as a major in 1.
Schweres-Reiter-Regiment Prinz Karl von Bayern. The regiment was founded
in 1814. It was garrisoned in the capital of Munich, where it was assigned to
the 1. Bavarian ArmeeKorps. In 1892 Prinz Alfons became the commander
and oberst of 1. Schweres-Reiter-Regiment Prinz Karl von Bayern.
Ultimately, he was promoted to General der Kavallerie, and served as the 7.
Chevaulegers-Regiment Prinz Alfons’s Inhaber (Regimental Chef).
This regiment was established in 1905 and named for Prinz Alfons. It was based
at Straubing, where it was attached to the III. Bavarian ArmeeKorps.
Prinz Alfons was never a front-line military commander, but as a royal he
served in an à la Suite capacity. He held no
official command during WW I.
This pair of epaulettes belonged to Prinz Alfons when he served as a
major in 1. Schweres-Reiter-Regiment
Prinz Karl von Bayern. They are
clearly for this regiment. We can tell by the epaulettes’ silver moons. While
the epaulettes are similar to those of its sister regiment, 2.
Schweres Reiter-Regiment Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand von Österreich-Este (founded in 1815 and garrisoned at
Landshut), ITS moons are gilt. The material on the obverse is
red. The rank of major is confirmed by the dangling silver trim (ringlets) hanging from
its edges, (which was used for the three ranks of major, oberstleutnant, and
oberst).
Blue thread in the bullion trim also confirms them as Bavarian. These are some
of the small details necessary for identifying shoulder boards/epaulettes’
regiments, especially when cyphers or regimental designations are not present.
The epaulettes’ backing is a matching red. Overall, they are in very
fine condition. The shoulder boards are housed in their original storage
carton. The carton is quite large in order to properly accommodate these large
epaulettes. A pedestal in its interior is where they are mounted and secured
when they are not in use. The lid of the box has a white label on which is
neatly penned "No II - 19 April 1891." This is the date of either the
entrance into the regiment, or when they were acquired. The designation "No
II" was for Prinz Alfons’ valet, to make sure that he assembled the
correct regalia for a given uniform. The inside lid of the carton has
"Prinz Alfons von Bayern," along with a Wittelsbach Crown and Stole over
his name. A large white tag inside the lid proclaims that they come from the
Christian Block workshops of Munich. Block (as noted on the label)
was an official provider to the royal house. This is a great set in top
condition. It would make a fine addition to any collection.
$1,895.00
(Click here for more images)
23-75
MAJOR - DRESS
EPAULETTES - ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX -
INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 14 - PRUSSIA.
This is an excellent pair of dress epaulettes (banjo
style) for a major who served in Infanterie-Regiment
Graf Schwerin (3. Pommersches) Nr 14.
This regiment was raised in 1813. It was garrisoned at
Bromberg, where it was assigned to II.
Armeekorps. As a major, the original
owner would have been either a battalion commander or perhaps
on regimental staff. Each of these massive epaulettes
has a white background, which is somewhat faded from age.
Each displays the regiment’s number in gilt. Some light
moth tracking shows on one of the epaulettes. This is in no way
detractive to their overall presentation. As these are very
large epaulettes, the storage carton is far deeper than
those we see for a leutnant/Oberleutnant/Hauptman's epaulettes. The
epaulettes are neatly secured in the carton
with a ribbon. This is grand pair of epaulettes for a
well-known regiment. IR Nr 14
had a wonderful record beginning with the Napoleonic Wars
that extended into the Franco-Prussian War and later WW I.
You should not pass up this chance to own a bit of their
history. $875.00
(Click here for more images)
23-160
PAIR - SHOULDER BOARDS - MAJOR - GRENADIER-REGIMENT KÖNIG FRIEDRICH I.
Nr 5 -
PRUSSIA. This is a pair of major’s
shoulder boards from Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich I. (4.
Ostpreußisches) Nr 5. The regiment was established in 1689 and
garrisoned in Danzig. The regiment was attached to the XVII. Armeekorps.
Each board sports König Friedrich I’s Cypher. As a major, this officer
commanded a battalion within the regiment. The boards have a unique bottom
trim that extends out from the end of the shoulder board. The boards’
underlay is yellow. This is a very difficult-to-find pair of shoulder
boards.
$475.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-234 PAIR
- SHOULDER BOARDS
- MAJOR - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 103 - SAXONY.
This is a pair of major’s shoulder boards from Saxony’s Königl Sächs. 4. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 103. The regiment
was raised in 1709. It was garrisoned at Bautzen, where is was attached to the
XII. ArmeeKorps. As a major, this man was either one of the three
Battalion Kommandeurs or he was on the regimental staff, depending on the
regiment’s organization. Each shoulder board sports "Russian" style rope
braid, indicative of major/oberstleutnant/oberst’s shoulder boards. The
chevrons on the braid are green, which confirms their origin in Saxony. Each
shoulder board carries a gilt regimental designation of "103." The
shoulder boards are quite large, measuring 5 3/4" x 2." The backing is red. The
boards have slip-on, Saxon-style attachments, rather than having been sewn
onto the tunic.
$475.00
(Click here for more images)
23-276
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A MAJOR - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr
124 - WÜRTTEMBERG.
This is a pair of major’s
shoulder boards from Infanterie-Regiment König Wilhelm I (6.Württ.) Nr 124.
The regiment was raised in1673. It was garrisoned at Weingarten, where it was
assigned to the Württemberg XIII. ArmeeKorps. The shoulder boards are
quite large. Each one measures 5 1/2" x 2 1/2." They are made of silver
bullion. You will see red/black chevrons on the rope-like bullion,
Württemberg’s colors. Mounted in the center of each shoulder board is a crown
and König Wilhelm I’s royal cypher. A gilt button is attached to each shoulder
board. Red felt backing appears on the reverse, as do the sliders that allow
the shoulder boards to be slipped onto a tunic. [One shoulder board has some
small problem areas that I will highlight in the attached photographs]. They
remain very attractive shoulder boards. They are priced accordingly for an
officer of this level, from a well-known regiment that had a history of more
than two-hundred-years before WW I began.
$675.00
(Click here for more images)
23-235 PAIR OF
SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A MAJOR - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 8 - BAVARIA. This is a pair
of major’s shoulder boards from 8. Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog Friedrich
II. von Baden. The regiment was raised in 1753. It
was garrisoned at Metz, where is was attached to the Bavarian II. ArmeeKorps. As a major, As a major, this man was either one of the three
Battalion Kommandeurs or he was on the regimental staff, depending on the
regiment’s organization. Each shoulder board sports "Russian" style rope
braid, indicative of major/oberstleutnant/oberst’s shoulder boards. The
chevrons on the braid are blue, which confirms their origin in Bavaria. Each
shoulder board carries a gilt regimental designation of "8." These boards were
definitely worn on a tunic. You can see how they slope to match a shoulder.
The backing is red. The boards have their slip-on attachments rather than
having been sewn onto a tunic.
$475.00
(Click here for more images)
23-104 PAIR OF SHOULDER
BOARDS FOR A MAJOR IN INFANTERIE-REGIMENT
Nr 40 - PRUSSIA.
This is a very fine pair of shoulder boards for a major who
served in Füsilier-Regiment Fürst
Karl-Anton von Hohenzollern (Hohenzollernsches) Nr 40.
This regiment was raised in 1818 and garrisoned in Rastatt.
Prior to the outbreak of WW I, this regiment was assigned to
the XIV. Armeekorps.
As a major of the regiment, this man probably commanded a
battalion, or could have been a regimental staff officer. The
shoulder boards measure 5 1/2" x 2 1/4." They are
massive. Each shoulder board bears the number "40"
for the regiment. They are of the slip-on variety. $250.00.
(Click here for more images)
23-305
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A MAJOR - CAVALRY REGIMENT.
This is a pair of a major’s shoulder boards from a cavalry regiment
(probably a Dragoner-Regiment). The shoulder boards do NOT have royal
cyphers or regimental numbers. It indicates they were unused, and had not
yet had the owner’s relevant cyphers attached. This leaves you with the
option of converting them, if you have a tunic that needs shoulder boards,
or you can add them to your collection as a curiosity. The shoulder boards
measure 4" x 1 3/4." They are certainly Prussian. A yellow underlay trims the
shoulder board-proper. It can be seen from above as well as from below.
$350.00
(Click here for more images)
23-254 XWB MAJOR
SHOULDER BOARDS - BAVARIA.
This is a consignment item. It is a pair of
major’s shoulder boards from the Bavarian Army. You can clearly see the blue
chevrons on the silver bullion rope, indicating Bavaria. The shoulder boards
have no backing, so we cannot determine from which branch of the Army they
originated. They also have no regimental chevrons. They are of the sewn-in
variety. They have the original manufacturer label. They are bargain-priced.
$150.00
(Click here for more images)
23-296
SINGLE MAJOR SHOULDER BOARD - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 140 - PRUSSIA.
This is a single major’s shoulder board from 4. Westpreußisches
Infanterie-Regiment Nr 140. The regiment was founded in 1890. It was
garrisoned in Hohensalza, where it was attached to the II. ArmeeKorps.
As a major, the man would have commanded a battalion or have been on the
regimental staff. The shoulder board sports its gilt regimental number. It
has a white underlay on the edges and on the reverse.
$95.00
(Click here for more images)
23-152 DRESS EPAULETTES
- HAUPTMANN - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 12 -
SAXONY. This is an extremely fine pair
of dress epaulettes (banjo boards) for a hauptmann commanding a kompagnie. Each
epaulette sports a hauptmann’s double pips,
along with the regimental designation "12," for Königl Sächs 12
Infantrie-Regiment Nr 177. It was one of the final Saxon regiments
created (three others were created in 1897 and one more in 1912). This
regiment was one of those created in 1897. It was garrisoned in Dresden,
where it was attached to the XII. Armeekorps. Each epaulette
features a gilt button. The epaulettes are the slip-on variety. The obverse is
silver with gilt pips, the regimental number and a red backing. Their
condition is quite pleasing, with a fine patina.
$475.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-289 SINGLE
EPAULETTE - HAUPTMANN - LEIB-GRENADIER-REGIMENT
Nr 109 - BADEN.
This is a single
epaulette for a hauptmann and company commander in 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment
Nr 109. The fabled infantry regiment was formed during the Napoleonic Wars
in 1803. It was garrisoned in the capital city of Karlsruhe. It was attached
to the XIV. ArmeeKorps. The epaulette’s overall condition is
excellent. The obverse’s background is silver bullion. Mounted on that
background is the Grand Duke of Baden’s crown and a hauptmann’s twin pips. The
half moon’s metal trim is also silver. The epaulette’s reverse is
covered in red felt. It is a very exciting and seldom-seen epaulette.
$295.00
(Click here for more images)
23-288
PAIR OF HAUPTMANN EPAULETTES -
ARTILLERY-REGIMENT Nr 56 - STORAGE BOX - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of hauptmann’s epaulettes. He was a Batterie Commander
of 2. Posensches Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 56. The regiment was
founded in 1899. It was garrisoned at Lissa, where it was attached to the V.
ArmeeKorps. These epaulettes feature a yellow background (the
fabric is quite faded - more of the original yellow shade appears up by the
buttonholes) and a gilt metal moon. On the obverse’s yellow background, we see
a hauptmann’s twin gilt pips, as well as a gilt flaming bomb and the
regimental number. The lining on the reverse is in red. The epaulettes
are housed in one half of the original storage box. The top half is missing.
The box's bottom half shows some damage and is structurally weak. The
regiment was only in existence for nineteen years (1899-1918), so we will not
see many epaulettes from this regiment available.
$595.00
(Click here for more images)
23-150 PAIR OF DRESS
EPAULETTES
FOR A HAUPTMANN -
SCHÜTZEN-REGIMENT Nr 108 - SAXONY.
This is a pair of dress epaulettes (banjo boards) for a hauptmann. Each
of the epaulettes has a hauptmann’s double pips along with the
regimental designation ("108"). This pair of epaulettes was for
a Kompagnie Commander in Königl Sächs Schützen-(Füsilier)Regiment Prinz
Georg Nr 108. The regiment was created in 1809 and garrisoned in
Dresden. It was attached to the XII. Armeekorps. This was a very
elite regiment. As a Schützen-Regiment they wore shakos instead of
pickelhauben. Each of the epaulettes displays a gilt button. They are
of the slip-on variety, with a red backing. The backing of one epaulette shows
extreme wear. Some of the red wool backing material has disintegrated and
the stuffing is visible. In spite of this fault, the obverse of the
epaulettes remains in solid condition. The exception is one nip on the
epaulette
that has the previously described damage.
$350.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-200 PAIR OF
SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A HAUPTMANN IN INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 104 - SAXONY.
This is a pair of hauptmann’s shoulder boards from 5. Königl. Sächs. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz Nr 104. The regiment was founded in 1701. It
was stationed at Chemnitz, where it was assigned to the XII. Armeekorps.
The shoulder boards are similar in size to Prussian Grenadier’s shoulder
boards. That is, they are a bit more narrow than standard infantry shoulder
boards. Each measures 5 1/4" x 1 1/4." Each of the shoulder boards bears the Kronprinz’s royal cypher, along with a hauptmann’s two pips. We can see
Saxony’s green chevrons on the silver material of each shoulder board. Also,
each of the boards has a gilt button. As we look at the shoulder boards’
reverses, we see that they are of the slip-on style and have red backing. Each
one has its metal slip-on devices present. This pair of shoulder boards, while
showing honest age, is quite pleasing,
$325.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-53 PAIR OF M-1915 SHOULDER
BOARDS TO A RITTMEISTER IN THE GARDE-KURASSIER- REGIMENT - PRUSSIA.
This is an extremely fine pair of shoulder boards for a
rittmeister who served in the Garde-Kürassier-Regiment. Each shoulder board
carries the gilt-toned double pips of a
rittmeister. The shoulder boards are of the slip-on
variety. They have a double backing of white and blue under
the silver bullion cords of the shoulder boards. These boards
are in mint condition. They come from one of the proudest
regiments in the Prussian Army and every officer in the regiment along with
it's sister regiment the Garde du Corps was either a member of the
royalty or nobility. $575.00
(Click here for more images)
23-171 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS
FOR A HAUPTMANN - FELDARTILLERIE REGIMENT Nr 14 -
BADEN.
This is a pair of M-1915
hauptmann’s shoulder boards from Feldartillerie-Regiment Großherzog (1.
Badisches) Nr 14. It was the first of the artillery regiments from the
Grand Duchy of Baden. The regiment was founded in 1850. It was garrisoned at
Karlsruhe, where it was attached to the XIV. Armeekorps. Each of the
shoulder boards has a "14," a flaming bomb of the artillery, and a
hauptmann’s double pips. Prior to the war and the move to the M-1915
boards, this regiment would have shown a Baden crown and no regimental number.
The backing of these shoulder boards is red. They are in very fine condition.
$250.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-262 PAIR OF HAUPTMANN SHOULDER BOARDS -
GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 4 - PRUSSIA.
This is a
pair of hauptmann’s
shoulder boards from Grenadier-Regiment König
Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1.Pommersches) Nr 2. The
regiment was raised in 1679. It was garrisoned at Stettin, where it was
assigned to the II. ArmeeKorps. The shoulder boards each carry König
Friedrich Wilhelm IV’s gilt crowned cypher. In addition, a hauptmann’s twin
pips are seen. The shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety, with a white
backing. They show honest wear.
$295.00
(Click here for more images)
23-212 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS
FOR A RITTMEISTER - HUSAREN-REGIMENT - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of shoulder boards for a rittmeister from a Husaren-Regiment.
They are narrower than a standard shoulder board. They are similar in size to
a Grenadier-Regiment’s shoulder board. While they have a backing, it is not as
stiff as other shoulder boards, which makes them perfect for use on an
attila. $350.00
(Click here for more images)
23-198 PAIR OF M-1915
SHOULDER BOARDS
FOR
A
HAUPTMANN IN AN INFANTERIE- REGIMENT - HESSE. This is a
pair of M-1915 hauptmann’s shoulder boards from a Hessen Infanterie-Regiment. Each shoulder board bears a hauptmann’s double pips. In looking
at the shoulder boards’ feldgrau
material, we can see the red and white chevrons which indicate that they come
from the Grand Duchy of Hessen. These shoulder boards are of the sewn-in
variety. They have white backing on the reverse.
$225.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-230 PAIR OF M-1915
FELDGRAU HAUPTMANN SHOULDER BOARDS - FELDARTILLERIE-SCHIEßSCHULE -
PRUSSIA.
This is a fine pair of hauptmann’s shoulder boards from the
Feldartillerie-Schießschule. It was a school which trained men who were
to serve in the Feldartillerie. They are M-1915 feldgrau
shoulder boards. They are of the sew-in variety. The backing is yellow, as
is correct for the time after 1915. Each shoulder has the school’s cypher,
along with crossed cannons. Each shoulder board also has a hauptmann’s twin
pips. This is a seldom-seen pair of shoulder boards.
$295.00
(Click here for more images)
23-194 PAIR OF
HAUPTMANN SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT - BAVARIA.
This is a pair of hauptmann’s shoulder boards from a Bavarian infanterie-Regiment. We can see Bavaria’s blue chevrons on the boards’ silver bullion.
Two pips on each board denote the hauptmann’s rank. The boards’ reverse shows
a red underlay. The shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety. Both are in
very good condition.
$175.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-158
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A HAUPTMANN - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 104 - SAX0NY.
This is a pair of hauptmann’s shoulder boards from Königl. Sächs 5. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz Nr 104, in good condition. This regiment
was established in 1701 and garrisoned at Chemnitz. The regiment was
attached to the XIX. Armeekorps. These are suitable for use on a
feldgrau uniform or for a shoulder board collection. Each of the
shoulder boards has a hauptmann’s double pips, as well as the royal cypher
of the Regimental Chef, the Crown Prince. In addition, each of the shoulder
boards sports a crowned button. The shoulder boards are of the sewn-in
variety, with red backing.
$395.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-295
PAIR OF HAUPTMANN SHOULDER BOARDS - FÜSILIER-REGIMENT Nr 35.
This
is a pair of hauptmann’s shoulder boards from Füsilier-Regiment Prinz
Heinrich von Preußen (Brandenburgisches) Nr 35. These shoulder boards are of
the sewn-in variety. It is clear that they have been removed from a tunic at
some point. Each of the shoulder boards sports the gilt regimental number and a
hauptmann’s twin, gilt pips.
$250.00
(Click here for more images)
23-119 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A HAUPTMANN - FLAK
BATTALION - PRUSSIA.
This is a remarkable
pair of shoulder boards for a Prussian hauptmann who served in a Flak
Battery. They are of the sewn-in variety. Each board features the twin
pips of a hauptmann, and the winged artillery shell of a Flak Battery.
These are difficult-to-find in this rank.
$275.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-302
PAIR OF HAUPTMANN SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 1 -
BAVARIA. This is a pair of hauptmann’s
shoulder boards from the Kingdom of Bavaria’s 1. Infanterie-Regiment
König. The regiment was raised in 1778 and garrisoned in Munich. It was
assigned to the Bavarian ArmeeKorps I. The shoulder boards measure 4
3/4" x 1 1/2." They also sport the royal cypher and are crowned. Flanking
each side of the crowned cypher is a gilt pip, which indicates the
hauptmann’s rank. The shoulder boards’ obverses feature the blue chevrons
indicative of Bavarian regiments. Their reverses are lined with red felt.
Moth wear is evident on each shoulder board. The shoulder boards are of the
sewn-in variety. $250.00
(Click here for more images)
23-251 XWB SINGLE
HAUPTMANN SHOULDER BOARD - LUFTSCHIFFER BATTALION Nr 1 - PRUSSIA.
This is a consignment item. It is a single hauptmann’s shoulder board from the
Prussian Luftschiffer-Battalion Nr 1. The unit was created in 1884. It
was garrisoned in Berlin, where it was attached to the GardeKorps. The
shoulder board is of the sewn-in variety. The board sports the cypher and
intertwined unit designation for Luftschiffer-Battalion Nr 1. The
shoulder board also bears a hauptmann’s twin gilt pips. The board features a
light-blue backing, which has substantial mothing. The shoulder board measures
4" x 1 1/2." It is slightly different from the other shoulder board hailing
from this unit.
$175.00
(Click here for more images)
23-268 SINGLE
RITTMEISTER SHOULDER BOARD - DRAGONER-REGIMENT Nr 15.
This is a single rittmeister’s shoulder board from 3. Schlesisches
Dragoner-Regiment Nr 15. The regiment was formed in 1866. It was
garrisoned at Hagenau, where it was attached to the XV. ArmeeKorps. The
shoulder board is more narrow than most infantry or artillery shoulder boards.
It measures 4 3/4" x 1 1/8." It has the regimental number in gilt, as well as
the twin pips of a rittmeister, also in gilt. It has an old tag attached to
it. It appears that it came from an old French collection. The shoulder board
has a red backing. It is in very fine condition, overall
.
$175.00
(Click here for more images)
23-297
SINGLE HAUPTMANN SHOULDER BOARD - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 22 -
BAVARIA. This is a single hauptmann’s shoulder board from Bavaria’s 22. Infanterie-Regiment.
The regiment was founded in 1897. It was garrisoned at Zweibrücken, and
attached to the Bavarian II. ArmeeKorps. One can see the blue
chevrons on the shoulder board’s obverse. The regimental designation and the
twin gilt hauptmann’s pips appear on the obverse. The shoulder board has a
red backing. It is of the slip-on variety.
$75.00
(Click here for more images)
23-311 XES
PAIR OF HAUPTMANN SUBDUED SHOULDER BOARDS - AUSTRIA.
This is a consignment item. It is a pair of hauptmann’s shoulder boards. I am
not certain what regiment they represent, but I believe them to be
Austro-Hungarian. Each shoulder board measures 4" x 1 1/4." The surface is subdued,
the same as the WW I Germans used from 1915 and onward. The shoulder board’s
center is a subdued gray/feldgrau. Intertwining through the center from
front to back is a single green loop. A hauptmann’s twin gilt pips are attached
to the shoulder board’s top. A red trim band runs around the edge of each
shoulder board. Standing out from that is a green edge, which is actually the
underlay. It serves as a trim feature. The shoulder boards are of the sewn-in
variety. $125.00
(Click here for more images)
Oberleutnant -
Leutnant
23-287
PAIR OF LEUTNANT EPAULETTES - 5. GARDE-REGIMENT
zu FUß - PRUSSIA.
This is a marvelous pair
of leutnant’s epaulettes from 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. The
regiment was founded in 1897. It was garrisoned in Spandau, where it was
attached to the Garde-Korps. The regiment, along with 5. Garde-Grenadier-Regiment, was one of the final two
Garde infantry regiments founded. They were also
in existence the shortest length of time (twenty-one years). You can sense how
few officers ever wore these epaulettes in comparison to some of the
longer-established regiments.
The background on the obverse is white. The moonlike trim is silver. Eleven
assorted Garde infantry regiments were in existence and only three boasted
this silver trim. The other eight wore gilt. The bullion tape on the
epaulettes’ tongues is also silver, with black trim. The epaulettes’
reverse is lined in red. Some mothing appears on the reverse of one epaulette,
and some staining shows on the reverse of both. These are very rare.
$750.00
(Click here for more images)
23-167
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR AN OBERLEUTNANT -
ARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 48 - SAXONY.
This is
a pair of oberleutnant’s shoulder boards from Artillerie-Regiment Nr 48.
These shoulder boards were in use prior to 1900. Each displays an
oberleutnant’s single pip, and the flaming bomb of the Feldartillerie.
In addition, each shoulder board sports a plain brass button. They are of the
slip-on design, with a red backing.
$395.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-218
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR AN OBERLEUTNANT - GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 7 - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of shoulder boards for an Oberleutnant who was assigned to
Grenadier-Regiment König Wilhelm I. (2. Westpreußisches) Nr 7. This
regiment was raised in 1797 (the birth year of König and later Kaiser Wilhelm
I) and was garrisoned in Liegnitz where it was assigned to V. Armeekorps.
These shoulder boards which are of the sew in variety bear the gilt toned
crowned cypher of Wilhelm I who was the Grandfather of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
There is also a single gilt toned pip for the rank of Oberleutnant. The
shoulder boards have a white backing and are in top condition.
$250.00
(Click here for more images)
23-233 PAIR OF LEUTNANT EPAULETTES -
5. GARDE-REGIMENT zu FUß -
PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of leutnant’s
epaulettes from 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. The regiment was raised
1897. It and Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 5 were the last two
Garde-Infanterie-Regiments raised. Both were garrisoned at Spandau rather
than in Berlin or Potsdam. Both were, of course, assigned to the
Garde-Korps. These epaulettes are the smaller type. They feature
gilt-toned moons on the obverse. The material within the moon on the obverse
is white. The backing is red. The epaulettes boast a gilt-toned "5" for the regimental designation. They also have silver bullion
tape on the obverse, which is indicative of a Garde zu Fuß-Regiment.
They are in near-mint condition. Since the regiment was only in existence for
twenty-one years, relatively few of them exist. They would make a great set
for a shoulder board/epaulette collection.
$750.00
(Click here for more images)
23-183
PAIR OF LEUTNANT EPAULETTES IN PIONIER-BATTALION Nr 6. - PRUSSIA.
This is an excellent pair of dress (banjo style) epaulettes from
Schlesisches Pionier-Battalion Nr 6. This was a Prussian unit that was
formed in 1816. It was garrisoned at Nieße, where it was assigned to the
VI. Armeekorps. These epaulettes are markedly smaller than most,
measuring 5" x 3 ½." Their trim is silver, and their battalion number is gilt.
The material on the obverse and reverse is red and flawless. This is an
absolutely superb pair of epaulettes. They are the first I have
encountered from this battalion.
$475.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-178 PAIR OF LEUTNANT
EPAULETTES IN
GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 12 - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of leutnant dress
(banjo style) epaulettes from Grenadier-Regiment Prinz Carl von
Preußen (2. Brandenburgisches) Nr 12. The regiment was founded in 1813 and
garrisoned at Frankfurt a. O. The regiment was assigned to the III.
Armeekorps. The epaulettes sport gilt trim and gilt numerals on a red
background. The reverse of the epaulettes is also red. It shows evidence
of both a moth nip and some moth tracking.
$275.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-156
PAIR OF LEUTNANT EPAULETTES IN INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 103 -
SAXONY. This is an attractive pair of
leutnant’s dress epaulettes, (commonly known as "banjo boards"). Each
of the epaulettes sports the regimental designation ("103"), and
a gilt button. Some wear is exhibited at the top of one of the epaulettes. They
are of the slip-on variety and feature a red backing. The condition is
generally pleasing, with a fine patina.
$375.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-278 PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - KURAßIER-REGIMENT
Nr 6 - PRUSSIA.
This is a first-rate pair of
leutnant’s shoulder boards from Küraßier-Regiment
Kaiser Nikolaus I. von Rußland (Brandenburgisches) Nr 6. It was the
second-oldest of the Küraßier-Regiments,
founded in1691. It was garrisoned at Brandenburg a.H., and assigned to the
III. ArmeeKorps. The shoulder boards are of the sewn-in design (typical
for junior officers). Each measures 4 1/4" x 2." They have Tsar Nikolaus of
Russia’s royal cypher in gilt, with a Romanov Crown above the cypher. The
shoulder boards have a white underlay surrounding a further inner blue
underlay that acts as extra framing. They are handsomely-toned and in very
fine condition. $850.00
(Click here for more images)
23-140 PAIR OF
LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - HUSAREN-REGIMENT Nr 15 - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards for wear on his Hussar’s attila. This young officer’s elite regiment,
Husaren-Regiment
Königin Wilhelmina der Niederlande (Hannoversches) Nr 15, had a proud
history in the German Army. The regiment was raised in 1803 and garrisoned in Wandsbek. It was assigned to the
IX Armeekorps. While it was nominally
a Prussian regiment, it originally had been a Hanoverian regiment -- the only
Husaren-Regiment fielded by the Kingdom of Hannover. Hannover was
absorbed into Prussia (along with Braunschweig) when both sided with Austria
in the ill-fated War of 1866. In 1897, Kaiser Wilhelm allowed former regiments
from Hannover and Braunschweig that had received Napoleonic War battle honors
to display those honors. They did so in the form of bandeaux over the wappens of their headdress. Thus, infantry, cavalry, artillery, etc.,
units were allowed to place these bandeaux on their Prussian wappens.
In the case of Husaren-Regiment Königin Wilhelmina der Niederlande
(Hannoversches) Nr 15, the regiment carried bandeaux for the Peninsula,
Waterloo, El Bodon, and Barossa campaigns. They saw service with Wellington
during the campaigns on the Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). During the
Peninsula campaign, they saw action at two of the most important battles at El
Bodon and Barossa. As is correct for an attila’s shoulder boards, these
boards are a bit smaller
than infantry shoulder boards. They also do not have the stiff backing of the
latter, which is again permissible. They feature the crowned Cypher for the
regiment’s honorary oberst, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. The shoulder
boards are the slip-on variety, which is a bit unusual for a junior officer.
They generally are in very good condition, with the exception of small rust
stains on each board where the buttons were once attached. This is a very fine
pair of shoulder boards from a famous, elite Hussar regiment.
$425.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-236 PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS -
GARDE-REITER-REGIMENT-SAXONY.
This is a pair
of leutnant’s shoulder boards from the Kingdom of Saxony’s Königl
Sächs Garde-Reiter-Regiment (1. Schweres Regiment). Like the Regiment
der Garde du Corps in the Prussian Army, the Garde-Reiter-Regiment (GRR) was the Saxon Army’s most elite
cavalry regiment, and an elite unit that was the backbone of the King
of Saxony’s personal guard. These shoulder boards date from the period of 1904
to 1914, when König Friedrich August III was
Saxony’s ruler. The Garde-Reiter-Regiment was first formed in 1680. It
was garrisoned in the capital city of Dresden, where it was attached to the
XII. ArmeeKorps.
Each of these shoulder boards measures 3 3/4" x 1 1/2." They were
used on the daily-dienst (service) tunic, and not for parade purposes.
The shoulder boards are made of silver bullion. If you look carefully at the
bullion, you can detect the green chevrons that confirm the boards are from a
Saxon regiment. Furthermore, each of the shoulder boards displays a gilt crown
and König Friedrich August III’s Royal Cypher ("FR"). The shoulder
boards sport a blue underlay, which is a clue that they are cavalry and from Königl Sächs Garde-Reiter-Regiment (1.
Schweres Regiment). The final detail about the shoulder boards is that
they are of the sewn-in variety, which was common for junior officers such as
a leutnant.
$695.00
(Click here for more images)
23-263 PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS -
GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 4 - PRUSSIA.
This is a
pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from
Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1.Pommersches) Nr 2.
The regiment was raised in 1679. It was garrisoned at Stettin where it was
assigned to the II. ArmeeKorps. The shoulder boards each carry König
Friedrich Wilhelm IV’s gilt crowned cypher. The shoulder boards are of the
slip-on variety. (This is a bit unusual for an officer of such a low rank).
They have a white backing. They show honest wear.
$275.00
(Click here for more images)
23-259
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS -
FELDARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 14 - BADEN.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from 1. Badisches
Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 14. It was the Baden Army’s senior artillery
regiment. It was founded in 1850. It was garrisoned in Karlsruhe, where it
was assigned to the XIV. ArmeeKorps. Each of the shoulder boards
displays the artillery’s flaming bomb, and Baden’s Crown in gilt. Each has
red backing and is of the sewn-in variety. Both are in fine condition.
$250.00
(Click here for more images)
14-337 PAIR OF
SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A LEUTNANT - IMPERIAL GERMAN AIR SERVICE.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from the Imperial German Air
Service. Each of these shoulder boards measures 4 1/4" x 2 1/8." They are probably
for an overcoat, due to their size. You will also note that they are
slip-ons as opposed to sew-ins. Were these for a tunic rather than an
overcoat that would make them a bit more unusual, as most junior officers
below the rank of major used sew-ins. These are Prussian boards. Each sports
a gilt-toned, winged propeller. A red underlay is on each board. A bit of
mothing shows on the reverse. They are quite scarce.
$650.00
(Click here for more images)
23-54 PAIR OF SHOULDER
BOARDS TO A LEUTNANT IN A JÄGER
ZU PFERDE REGIMENT -
PRUSSIA. These shoulder boards are of
the sewn-in variety. They are for a leutnant who served in a Jäger
zu Pferde Regiment. These shoulder
boards would date from about 1910-1918. The boards have a
double lining, which would be red and green. They are in
excellent condition. $250.00.
.
(Click here for more images)
23-301
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - HEAVY ARTILLERY REGIMENT.
These shoulder boards are of the pre WW I variety. They are for a leutnant.
A pair of gilt, crossed cannon tubes have been attached to the shoulder
boards. Yellow fabric trims its edge and also serves for the backing. These
shoulder boards are of the sewn-in variety. They are in very fine condition.
$200.00
(Click here for more images)
23-308
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - ULANEN-REGIMENT Nr 1 - BAVARIA.
Today we are offering a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from 1.
Ulanen-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm II, König von Preußen. The regiment was
founded in 1863. It was garrisoned in Bamberg and attached to the Bavarian
II. ArmeeKorps. Each shoulder board measures 6" x 1 1/2." They have silver
bullion tape that runs down the center. The underlay is a distinctive crimson,
which also serves as trim around the silver bullion tape. Both shoulder boards
are of the slip-on variety. Each shoulder board has a strap in green underneath
to place on a tunic. Some light mothing appears on one of the board’s underlay.
The obverse of each shoulder board rates very fine.
$295.00
(Click here for more images)
23-313
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 75 - PRUSSIA.
This
is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from Infanterie-Regiment Nr 75.
Each shoulder board measures 3 3/4" x 1 1/4." These shoulder boards are of the
sewn-in variety. The regimental designation can be seen on each of the
shoulder boards. Their underlay is white. Some mothing is visible on the
reverse of both boards.
$225.00
(Click here for more images)
23-242
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - TRAIN-BATTALION Nr 26 - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from Train-Battalion Nr 26. The unit was one created after 1912 during the mobilization for, and
shortly after the beginning of, WW I. These shoulder boards are quite
different from more conventional shoulder boards. They are similar in size to
those used on Hussar’s attilas. The obverse also displays the unit
designation, "26." Each shoulder board measures 4 3/4" x 1." They are
of the slip-on variety. Each has a blue backing.
$175.00
(Click here for more images)
23-137
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A LEUTNANT - GARDE-FUßARTILLERIE-REGIMENT - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of shoulder boards for a leutnant from the
Garde-Fußartillerie-Regiment. This regiment was garrisoned at
Spandau (a suburb of Berlin) and raised in 1865. In the German army had two
types of artillery. They were Feld (Field) and Fuß (Foot). Fußartillerie was, with one exception, a late creation,
with most of its regiments created after 1864. It was by far the smaller of
the two types. Prior to WW I only eighteen Prussian
Fußartillerie-Regiments existed.
This pair of shoulder boards is of the sewn-in variety, which was more
common with junior officers (what the U.S. Army considered "Company Grade
Officers"). Each features black threads in the silver bullion, confirming
that these are for a Prussian Regiment. Furthermore, the underlay is yellow.
The latter, along with the lack of a regimental number, confirms that this
is for the Garde-Fußartillerie-Regiment. A pair of
crossed cannon shells on each board confirms that these are
Fußartillerie-Regiment, instead of
Feldartillerie-Regiment. They are in excellent condition.
$175.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-172
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 12 - SAXONY.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from Königl. Sächs
12. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 177. This was among the last of the Saxon
regiments raised prior to WW I, and still considered an "old-time" regiment.
The regiment was established in 1897. It was garrisoned in the capital city of
Dresden, where it was assigned to the XII. Armeekorps. They measure 5
1/4" x 1 1/4," and are narrow like a Grenadier’s shoulder boards. These
shoulder boards date prior to 1900. Thus they were used when the regiment was
first established. Each features the regimental designation "12." They
are of the slip-on variety. They display some minor moth nips in the red trim
on the obverse.
$175.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-202 PAIR OF
SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A LEUTNANT IN KÖNIGL SÄCHS. KARBINER REGIMENT (2. SCHWERES-REGIMENT)
- SAXONY. This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder
boards from Königl. Sächs. Karbiner-Regiment (2. Schweres-Regiment).
The regiment was founded in1849. It was garrisoned at Borna, where it was
attached to the XIX. Armeekorps. Interestingly, this regiment was
considered heavy cavalry, and a sister regiment (a much younger sister
regiment, mind you) of the Garde-Reiter-Regiment (GRR). They
wore a metal lobster tail helmet similar to the GRR, but did NOT wear a
lion during parades (although the GRR did not wear the Lion, either, until
1907). They wore a white bush instead. The shoulder boards are silver bullion,
with Saxony’s green chevrons. They have a double underlay. The first underlay,
which is closest to the shoulder board, is red. The second, which is on the
outside, and serves as the reverse’s backing, is a gorgeous black velvet. They
also are of the slip-on variety, and are in excellent condition.
$295.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-239 PAIR OF
SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A LEUTNANT - FELDARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 86.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from Feldartillerie-Regiment
Nr 86. It was one of the hundreds of regiments that were created after
1914, in the buildup for WW I. It was a Prussian regiment. Each shoulder
boards is of the sewn-in variety. It has the regimental designation, as well
as the artillery’s flaming bomb. The boards have fine toning and a red
backing. $150.00
(Click here for more images)
23-143
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 80 - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of shoulder boards for a leutnant serving in
Füßilier-Regiment von Gersdorff (Kurhessisches) Nr 80. This Prussian
regiment was raised in 1813, and garrisoned in Wiesbaden and Homburg. It was
assigned to the XVIII. Armeekorps. These are wartime shoulder boards.
They are of the sewn-in variety. They are in excellent condition.
$150.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-13 PAIR OF SHOULDER
BOARDS TO A LEUTNANT IN FÜSILIER
REGIMENT Nr 80 - PRUSSIA.
A very attractive pair of shoulder boards to a leutnant
serving in Füsilier-Regiment von
Gersdorff (Kurhessisches) Nr. 80. This
was one of the old-line infantry regiments that was formed in
1813 during the Napoleonic wars. It had a proud history
during the consolidation wars of the 1860's and the
Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. This pair of shoulder
boards are of the sewn-in variety. They have been clipped at
some point from a tunic as some of the threads are still
evident. The condition of the boards is very fine. Each board
has a wonderful crowned cypher. Very attractive, from a
well-known and historically significant regiment. $195.00.
.(Click
here for more images)
23-144
LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - FLAK-BATTALION - PRUSSIA.
This is a very fine pair of shoulder boards for a leutnant serving in a
Flak-Battalion. These units were entrusted with protection of troops and
installations from attacks from the air. Each of these shoulder boards
sports a winged artillery shell. They also have a yellow backing. They are
in excellent condition, and are of the sewn-in variety. They do not appear
to be used, although some slight moth nips show on the yellow backing.
$325.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-107
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A LEUTNANT IN ARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 51 -
PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of shoulder
boards for a leutnant who served in 2. Ober-Elsässiches Feldartilleree-Regiment
Nr 51. This was one of the last prewar regiments which was raised and
created in 1899. It was garrisoned in Straßburg I.e. They are of the sewn-in
variety. Each bears the flaming bomb of the artillery and the numerals "51."
This was a Prussian regiment. The shoulder boards have been removed from a
tunic and have been worn.
$125.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-159
PAIR OF OBERLEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 104 - SAX0NY.
This is a pair of oberleutnant’s shoulder boards from Königl. Sächs 5. Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz Nr 104, in good condition. The regiment was
established in 1701 and garrisoned at Chemnitz. The regiment was attached to
the XIX. Armeekorps. These are suitable for use on a feldgrau
uniform or for a shoulder board collection. Each of the shoulder boards has
an oberleutnant’s single pip as well as the royal cypher of the Regimental
Chef, the Crown Prince. The shoulder boards are of the sewn-in variety, with
red backing.
$350.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-193
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 40 - PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from Infanterie-Regiment Nr 40.
Each shoulder board bears a gilt"40." The underlay is white. The
shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety. [We are currently offering a
leutnant’s tunic from this regiment on our "UNIFORMS MERCHANDISE PAGE" (click
here to see)]. These shoulder boards also are correct for that tunic. Purchase
of both offerings provides one with both dress AND daily service shoulder
boards, as well as the tunic. These shoulder boards are in very fine
condition.
$150.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-130
PAIR OF LEUTNANT SHOULDER BOARDS - ARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 49 - WÜRTTEMBERG.
This is a pair of shoulder boards for a leutnant from 3.
Württembergisches Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 49. This was a Württemberg
regiment created in the final big call-up of the old-line regiments in 1899.
It was garrisoned at Ulm and assigned to the XIII. Armeekorps. These
shoulder boards are of the sewn-in variety. They have been removed from a
tunic. They are slightly mismatched. The "9" on the "49"
varies slightly, and the flaming bombs somewhat different in size.
$125.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-267 PAIR OF LEUTNANT
SHOULDER BOARDS - ARTILLERIE-REGIMENT OR DRAGONER-REGIMENT.
This is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards who might have been assigned to
an Artillerie-Regiment or possibly a Dragoner-Regiment. No
numbers for a regiment appear, but the shoulder boards have a yellow underlay.
They are in very fine condition.
$150.00
(Click here for more images)
23-255 XWB PAIR OF LEUTNANT’S
SHOULDER BOARDS- PRUSSIA.
This is a consignment item. It is a pair of leutnant’s shoulder boards from the Prussian Army. I cannot identify from
which branch of the Army they originated, but they are most likely infantry. The backing is a handsome maroon.
They are of the sewn-in variety.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-129
PAIR OF OFFICER’S CYPHERS - ULANEN-REGIMENT Nr 13 - PRUSSIA. This is a
pair of brass cyphers that were added to the shoulder boards of an officer
serving in Königs-Ulanen-Regiment (1. Hannoversches) Nr 13. The
regiment was raised in 1803 and garrisoned at Hannover. Prior to the
beginning of WW I, the regiment was assigned to the X. Armeekorps.
[Although considered a Prussian regiment, it originally was one of the elite
Hanoverian regiments assimilated into the Prussian Army when that Kingdom
was defeated in the 1866 Unification War. The war ended Hannover’s days as
an independent Kingdom]. The regiment had a very long, proud history, and
saw extensive action with Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars. Eventually,
although the regiment retained its Prussian status, the men were allowed to
display their previously-earned bandeaux (battle honors) for their
participation at the Peninsula, Waterloo, and Garzia-Hernandez. Furthermore,
they were granted the honor of wearing Garde Stars on their tschapkas,
even though it was not a true Garde regiment.
Each of these cyphers measures 1 ½" x 2." They are attached to a shoulder
board’s center. They are quite scarce, and make an interesting addition to
any collection.
$175.00
(Click
here for more images)
Non Commissioned
Officers -
One Year Volunteers (OYV) - Enlisted Men
23-285 NCO/ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAPS -
FELDFLIEGER-ABTEILUNG Nr 1.
This is an excellent pair of shoulder straps for an enlisted man/NCO,
who served from Feldflieger-Abteilung Nr 1. These straps measure 5" x
2." They are a darker-gray, more charcoal than feldgrau. Stitched on
each strap are the Fliegertruppen’s red, winged propeller, and a
number "1." These are un-issued and in mint condition.
$295.00
(Click here for more images)
23-124 PAIR OF SHOULDER
STRAPS FOR AN NCO OR
ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER - FELDARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 60 -
MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN.
While the Grand
Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin held Grand Duchy status, it had one of the
smaller militaries in the empire. Their entire military consisted of
Großherzogl Mecklenburgisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr 89,
Großherzogl. Mecklenburgisches Füßilier-Regiment Nr 90 Kaiser Wilhelm,
1. Großherzogl. Mecklenburgisches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 17,
2. Großherzogl. Mecklenburgisches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 18,
and Großherzogl. Mecklenburgisches Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 60.Großherzogl.
Mecklenburg Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 60 was the only artillery
regiment fielded by Mecklenburg-Schwerin. This is a pair of shoulder boards
for an NCO or a One-Year-Volunteer (OYV) who served in
Großherzogl. Mecklenburg Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 60. The
regiment was established in 1890. It was garrisoned at the capital of
Schwerin. It was assigned to the IX. Armeekorps. The shoulder boards
are white wool and bear the royal cypher of the Grand Duke, Friedrich Franz.
Below the cypher is the flaming bomb emblem that confirms its status with
the artillery regiment. These shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety,
with a light blue backing. The obverse is in excellent condition. One moth
nip appears on the reverse of one, with a bit of moth tracking on the
reverse. This is a VERY rare set of shoulder boards.
$650.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-60 PAIR OF SHOULDER
STRAPS TO A ONE YEAR VOLUNTEER IN INFANTERIE-
REGIMENT Nr 31 - PRUSSIA.
Infanterie-Regiment Nr 31,
more formally titled: Infanterie- Regiment
Graf Bose 1 Thüringisches Nr 31, was
formed in 1812. It was composed primarily of Russian
prisoners and/or deserters and known as the
"Russian-German Legion." We have a very fine pair
of shoulder boards for a One-Year-Volunteer from this
regiment. They are of pre WW I quality. I would date them to
the period of 1890 to 1910. Each has an embroidered rope-like
edge around them, with the numerals "31"
in red on a navy blue background. A brass button is also present on each
one. They are in excellent condition. $195.00 .
(Click here for more images)
23-141 PAIR OF ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER SHOULDER STRAPS -
INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 94
- SAXE-WEIMAR.
This is a pair of shoulder
straps for a One-Year-Volunteer (OYV) from Infanterie Großherzog von
Sachsen (5. Thüringisches) Nr 94. This was the only infantry regiment from
the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar. It was established in 1762 and had its three
battalions based at three different cities: Weimar, Eisenach, and Jenna. The
regiment was assigned to the XI. Armeekorps at the beginning of WW I.
The shoulder straps are quite large, measuring 5 3/4" x 2 1/4." They are red
with the Grand Duke’s crowned Cypher in yellow. A white and black rope-like
trim surrounds three sides of the straps. Each of the straps also has a gilt
button in place, with no Kompagnie number. The shoulder straps’ reverse
is a dark blue. Some light moth tracking shows on one of the strap’s obverse.
One can also see the small holes where they were once sewn to a tunic.
Material from an OYV is always hard to find, often harder than from an
officer.
$325.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-153
PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAPS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 179 - SAXONY.
This is a very fine pair of enlisted man’s shoulder straps from Saxony’s
Königl Sächs 14. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 179. The regiment was raised in
1897. It was garrisoned in Wurzen-Leisnig, where it was assigned to the
XIX. Armeekorps. The regimental designation, "179," is in yellow
on a dark-blue background. These are unissued (buttonholes have not even
been cut!), and in near mint condition.
$150.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-188
ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAPS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 105 - SAXONY.
This is a pair of enlisted man’s shoulder straps from Königl. Sachs 5.
Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz Nr 104 from the Kingdom of Saxony. This was
the third oldest infantry regiment in Saxony. The regiment was founded in 1701
and based in Chemnitz. It was assigned to the XIX. Armeekorps. These
shoulder straps are blue, with red trim around the edges. Embroidered in
yellow on each of the straps is a crown and royal cypher. These straps are in
very fine condition. They were clearly worn on a tunic and then removed.
$150.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-304
PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN FELDGRAU SHOULDER STRAPS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT-
PRUSSIA.
This is a pair of enlisted man’s
shoulder straps for a feldgrau tunic. He served in Infanterie-Regiment Graf Bülow von Dennewitz (6. Westfälisches) Nr 55. The regiment was formed in 1860. Battalion Nr 1 was garrisoned at
Höxter; Battalion Nr 2 was garrisoned at Bielefeld; and Battalion
Nr 3 was housed at Detmold. The regiment was attached to the VII.
ArmeeKorps. The feldgrau straps display the regiment’s red
numerals. The straps are trimmed in white. Some moth tracking appears on
one’s obverse. The same strap has a moth nip on its reverse. Overall, they
are in fine condition.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-157
PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAPS - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 103 - SAXONY.
This is a pair of enlisted man’s shoulder straps from Saxony’s
Infanterie-Regiment Nr 103 in fine condition. The regimental designation
("103") is in yellow on a dark-blue background, which is trimmed in red
around the edges. These shoulder straps have been removed from a tunic.
$150.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-293
ENLISTED MAN/NCO SINGLE EPAULETTE - GARDE-REITER-REGIMENT - SAXONY.
This is a very difficult-to-find enlisted man/NCO single epaulette from
the Saxon Garde-Reiter-Regiment. It is, in fact, a heavy cavalry
regiment. [The Garde-Reiters, along with the Regiment der Garde du Corps,
sported what has become the two most popular helmets among collectors. These
were the Saxon Lion and Prussian Eagle-topped parade pickelhauben for the
respective regiments]. The epaulette is gilt-toned. It displays a large
crown for the King of Saxony. The epaulette is all metal. It sports a blue
underlay, which confirms its regiment. The epaulette is in very fine
condition.
$295.00
(Click here for more images)
23-169
SINGLE ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAP -
INFANTRIE-REGIMENT Nr 105 - SAXONY. This is
an enlisted man’s single shoulder strap from Infanterie-Regiment Nr 105.
The regimental designation "105," is in yellow on a dark-blue background
trimmed in red. The shoulder strap is in very fine condition.
$45.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-244 SINGLE
ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAP - ARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 7 - PRUSSIA.
This is a single enlisted man’s shoulder strap from 1. Westfälisches
Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 7. The regiment was formed in 1816. It was
garrisoned at Wesel-Düsseldorf, where it was attached to the VII.
ArmeeKorps . The strap is blue, with the artillery’s red flaming bomb,
as well as the regimental designation "7." The strap was removed from a
tunic at some point.
$105.00
(Click here for more images)
23-245 SINGLE ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAP -
ARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 77 -
SAXONY.
This is a single enlisted man’s
shoulder strap from Königl. Sächs. 7.
Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 77. The regiment was founded in 1899. It was
garrisoned at Leipzig, where it was attached to the XIX. ArmeeKorps.
The shoulder strap is dark green, with the artillery’s flaming bomb depicted in
red, as is the regimental designation, "77." The shoulder strap was
removed from a tunic at some point.
$115.00
(Click here for more images)
23-269 SINGLE ENLISTED
MAN SHOULDER STRAP - INFANTERIE-LEIB-REGIMENT - BAVARIA.
This is a single enlisted man’s shoulder
strap from a Bavarian Infanterie-Leib-Regiment. It was raised in 1814
during the Napoleonic Wars and garrisoned in Munich. It was assigned to the
I. Bavarian ArmeeKorps. While far from the oldest regiment in the Bavarian
Army, Infanterie-Leib-Regiment was its most elite. It was among the
most elite in the entire German Army. The shoulder strap’s background is red.
A Wittelsbach Crown is embroidered in yellow on the red material. The shoulder
strap has a dark-blue backing. It is in very fine condition.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-270 SINGLE ENLISTED
MAN SHOULDER STRAP - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 88 - PRUSSIA.
This is a single enlisted man shoulder strap from 2. Nassauisches
Infanterie-Regiment Nr 88. The regiment was founded in 1808. It was
garrisoned at Mainz and Hanau, where it was attached to the XVIII.
ArmeeKorps. The regiment originally belonged to Nassau. It was absorbed
into the Prussian Army after the 1866 Austro-Prussian war. Several German
states, including Hannover, Braunschweig, Nassau, and Hesse-Kassel fought on
the Austrian side (along with Bavaria, Saxony, and Württemberg). They all were
absorbed into Prussia after Germany’s final consolidation war. This war’s
outcome cemented Prussia’s dominance. After the 1870/71 Franco-Prussian War,
Prussia’s König Wilhelm I was crowned Kaiser Wilhelm I of all Germany.
This regiment, along with her sister regiment 1. Nassauisches
Infanterie-Regiment Nr 87, wore a special bandeau on its
pickelhauben, which Kaiser Wilhelm II granted to them around 1897. The former
Nassau, Hannover, and Braunschweig regiments all received these bandeaux
acknowledging their Napoleonic War service.
The shoulder strap is blue and sports a crowned red cypher for Nassau’s former
ruler. The shoulder strap has no buttonhole and was never worn on a tunic.
Some small moth nips appear around its edges. These are limited on the
obverse, but a bit more frequent on the reverse.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-271 SINGLE ENLISTED
MAN SHOULDER STRAP - GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 119 - WÜRTTEMBERG.
This is a single enlisted man shoulder strap from Grenadier-Regiment Königin
Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr 119. The regiment was raised in1673. It was
Württemberg’s senior infantry regiment. It was garrisoned in Stuttgart and
assigned to the Württemberg XIII.
ArmeeKorps. It has a red background and features Königin Olga’s yellow
crowned royal cypher. The shoulder strap is in very fine condition.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-246 SINGLE
ENLISTED MAN SHOULDER STRAP - TRAIN-ABTEILUNG Nr 25 - PRUSSIA.
This is a single enlisted man’s shoulder strap from Train-Abteilung Nr
25. The shoulder strap measures 6 1/8" x 2 1/2." It is light-blue, with the
regimental designation "25" in red.
$75.00
(Click here for more images)
23-280 ENLISTED MAN/NCO SINGLE SHOULDER STRAP -
INFANTRY-REGIMENT Nr 120 - WÜRTTEMBERG.
This
is an enlisted man/NCO single shoulder strap from Infantry-Regiment
Kaiser Wilhelm, König von Preußen (2. Württembergisches) Nr. 120. The
regiment was raised in 1673. It was garrisoned at Ulm, where it was attached
to the XIII. ArmeeKorps. The shoulder strap, which measures 5 1/4" x
2 3/4," is
red. Its cypher and crown are yellow. Its backing is black. The strap is in
very fine condition.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
23-281 ENLISTED MAN/NCO SINGLE SHOULDER STRAP -
FELDARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 1 - BAVARIA.
This
is an enlisted man/NCO single shoulder strap from 1.
Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz Regent Luitpold. It was the Bavarian Army’s
most senior artillery regiment, which was founded in 1824. It was garrisoned
at Munich and was a part of the I. Bavarian ArmeeKorps. The shoulder
strap which measures 6" x 2 1/2" is red and the cypher and crown are in yellow.
The backing of the shoulder strap is black. The strap is in very fine
condition.
$125.00
(Click here for more images)
Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) - See Battalion
13-552
PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A GENERALMAJOR IN THE NAVY SEE-BATTALION.
Prior to the beginning of WW I, the Navy See-Battalion (similar to the
U.S. Marines serving as shipboard troops, overseas embassy guards, and an
elite infantry unit in China) was a relatively small group. It was formed into
three battalions, with one of them (Battalion Nr 3) permanently
stationed in China. Once WW I began, the See-Battalion was expanded,
along with all other German Navy and Army Forces. The Germans had a
substantial group stationed in Flanders, which was then termed
Marine-Infantrie. Naval artillery also was stationed there, as well as
Marine Jastas, which fought with the Army’s Jastas. [As an aside,
Flanders yielded several naval aces, and even a PLM-winner or two].
Even during WWI, the See-Battalions held a relatively small number of
men when compared to their Army counterparts, so items from these units are
always more difficult-to-find.
Today we are offering a pair of Generalmajor’s shoulder boards from the
See-Battalion. (Please note that the See-Battalion used Army ranks
rather than Navy ranks, just as does the
USMC). At first glance, these look like standard German Army
Generalmajor’s shoulder boards. If you look at the chevrons on the silver
rope, however, and at the white underlay, you can clearly see the difference.
The shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety, as was common for officers of
this rank. Some pulling and minor separation appears at the top of the two
boards, where the tunic’s button would go. The alternating ropes of
gold and silver bullion have come loose. Undoubtedly, these are some of the
rarest shoulder boards we have ever offered. Even during the height of WW I,
relatively few general officers were attached to the See-Battalions. $2,395.00AQ
(Click
here for more images)
13-769 SHOULDER BOARDS - KÄPITAN zur SEE
AND FLÜGELADJUTANT TO KAISER
WILHELM II. This i
s a marvelous find, one of
the most interesting pairs of Kaiserliche Marine shoulder boards we
have ever offered. The shoulder boards are for a Käpitan zur See (equivalent to an Army Oberst), who served as Kaiser Wilhelm II’s
Flügeladjutant. A Käpitan zur See in the Kaiserliche Marine
serving out at sea usually commanded a battleship or a small-vessel squadron
(torpedoboots, U-Boots, destroyers, etc.). A Flügeladjutant served as
a Kaiser or other German state ruler’s special aide, who was, in this case,
Kaiser Wilhelm II.
The shoulder boards measure 4 1/2" x 2" each. They sport the silver bullion
braid that is correct for the rank. Black chevrons are woven into the braid.
Each shoulder board’s obverse presents a Käpitan zur See’s
twin, gilt
pips. Between them is Kaiser Wilhelm II’s crowned, gilt royal cypher. Their
reverse displays a fine purple felt underlay that confirms their status as
naval shoulder boards. Also on the reverse are the straps that allowed them
to be attached to a tunic. These shoulder boards are in excellent condition.
Their rarity would make them a collection’s centerpiece.
$2,495.00
(Click here for more images)
13-454 PAIR OF
EPAULETTES FOR OBERLEUTNANT zur
SEE OF THE KAISERLICHE MARINE IN THE ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX.
Epaulettes from the Kaiserliche Marine are very hard-to-find. The
dress or "banjo" epaulettes are even more so. Add to the mix a pair of
dress epaulettes that come in their original storage box and you have a
very rare example of an epaulette! The examples we are offering today are
for an Oberleutnant zur See. An Oberleutnant zur See is equivalent to an
Oberleutnant in the German Army, a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army,
or a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.
These epaulettes are massive. They display a
combination of gold and silver embroidered bullion on the obverse. Each
displays a fouled anchor highlighted in the center of a gold field. The
anchors have a marvelous patina to them and are quite striking. Each epaulette has the individual rope-like
(ringlets) gold bullion hanging down. Also each
epaulette exhibits a gilt button for the Kaiserliche Marine, with anchor
and crown. Underneath, the epaulettes have a dark-blue or purple lining,
along with the brass attachments that clip them to the tunic. The deluxe
storage box is made of black leatherette. Inside is a pedestal on which the
epaulettes are tied and mounted. Also, a pillow is cut to the shape of the box and
laid over the epaulettes to protect them from any damage. This is a truly
stunning pair of epaulettes.
$1,250.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-247 PAIR OF KAPITÄNLEUTNANT EPAULETTES - ORIGINAL
STORAGE BOX.
This is pair of
Kapitänleutnant dress epaulettes for the Kaiserliche Marine’s dress
uniform. The epaulettes are very large and impressive. Each of them displays
a gold background at the epaulette’s top, on which is mounted a
Kapitänleutnant’s silver double pips and a large, silver, fouled naval
anchor. In addition, each epaulette features dangling gold braid fringe,
further confirming the rank. The epaulette’s reverse is lined in dark-blue
wool. The wool lining on both epaulettes shows some minor mothing. A brass clip is
anchored into the epaulette’s bottom so that the epaulette can be slipped
onto the uniform. The section of the epaulette containing the clip is made
of leather.
The epaulettes are housed in a very deep storage carton when not mounted to
the officer’s uniform. The epaulettes are set on a pedestal in the carton
and tied in place so they will not shift during movement. The carton has
protected the epaulettes over the many years since the last the last time
they were worn. They would make a wonderful addition to any Navy or shoulder
board collection.
$1,395.00
(Click here for more images)
23-283 PAIR
OF EPAULETTES FOR AN OBERSTABSINGENIEUR - KAISERLICHE
MARINE.
This is a first-rate pair of naval
epaulettes. They are for
an officer who held the rank of Oberstabsingenieur (staff engineering
officer). Each has a black velvet surface on which the engineering officer’s
gilt device (an anchor and gear) appears. Flanking the engineering device
are two gilt pips. Extending down the sides are a magnificent set of gilt
bullion ringlets. Silver bullion tape also extends around each epaulette’s
tongue. The epaulette’s end is graced by a small gilt Navy button.
Underneath each epaulette we see black velvet and leather holding the brass
device that attaches the epaulette to the uniform. These epaulettes are in
VERY fine condition!
$795.00
(Click here for more images)
13-561
SINGLE EPAULETTE FOR A KAPITÄNLEUTNANT IN CHARGE OF STORES ABOARD A
NAVAL VESSEL.
This is a very
rare variation of a single dress (banjo style) epaulette for a KAPITÄNLEUTNANT who was in charge of all stores aboard a
ship. This is indicated by the silver button on the shoulder board that
attached it to the dress uniform. The shoulder board has silver bullion trim.
The ringlets extending from the board are also silver. In the shoulder board’s
center is a massive gilt insignia for the Kaiserliche Marine, featuring
a Hohenzollern Eagle over crossed anchors. The device is flanked by two gold
pips proclaiming the Kapitänleutnant’s rank. This rank was equivalent to a
Hauptmann in the German Army. It was also equivalent to a Captain in the U.S.
Army or a full Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. It is a very fine shoulder board
in top condition.
$550.00
(Click
here for more images)
13-571
PAIR OF LEUTNANT zur SEE SHOULDER BOARDS. This pair
of shoulder boards is for a Leutnant zur See in the Kaiserliche Marine. Please note the white "T,"
which confirms that these are Navy shoulder boards. They are in very
pleasing condition to any collection.
$275.00
(Click here for more images)
13-771 SINGLE SHOULDER BOARD -
LEUTNANT zur SEE.
This is a
single Leutnant zur See’s shoulder board. The rank was equal to a
German Army Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army or Air
Force, and Lieutenant JG [Junior Grade] in the U.S. Navy). The shoulder
board has been removed from a tunic, and is of the sewn-in variety. Its
backing is purple velvet. It measures 4 1/2" X 1 1/4". Overall, it is in very good condition.
$95.00
(Click here for more images)
13-772 SINGLE SHOULDER BOARD -
LEUTNANT zur SEE.
This is a single Leutnant zur See’s shoulder board. The rank was
equal to a German Army Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army
or Air Force, and Lieutenant JG [Junior Grade] in the U.S. Navy). The
shoulder board has been removed from a tunic, and is of the sewn-in variety.
Its backing is purple velvet. It measures 4" X 1 1/4". Overall, it is in very good condition.
$95.00
(Click here for more images)
13-644 PAIR OF MEDICAL OFFICER SHOULDER BOARDS - KAISERLICHE
MARINE.
This is a pair of medical
officer (Arzt) shoulder boards in the rank of leutnant from the
Kaiserliche Marine. They are beautifully crafted, with the special
extensions typical of naval officer’s shoulder boards. The extensions are
black. They are a part of the system to attach shoulder boards to a tunic.
Each shoulder board’s obverse sports a doctor’s caduceus, emblematic of the
medical service. The reverse is lined with a handsome, fresh-appearing,
purple velvet. They are an attractive pair of shoulder boards.
$250.00
(Click here for more images)
13-637
PAIR OF NAVY FÄHNRINCH SHOULDER BOARDS.
We do not see Navy
shoulder boards very often. We do see epaulettes a bit more
frequently. This pair of shoulder boards is for a junior officer in the rank
of Fähnrich. They are quite small
(narrow). Army shoulder boards do NOT have any shoulder boards like these.
They are in very pleasing condition.
$195.00
(Click here for more images)
23-220 OBERMASCHINISTEN SHOULDER BOARDS -
KAISERLICHE MARINE.
This is a pair of
obermaschinisten (deck officer’s) shoulder boards from the
Kaiserliche Marine. The Imperial German Navy’s deck officer was a senior
NCO, one step below a commissioned officer. They were considered to have
semi-officer status. The true heart and soul of the ship, they supervised
the younger sailors, many of whom seriously lacked the enlisted sailors’
experience.
The shoulder boards display a black background and measure 4 1/2" x 4
1/2." Each
features an anchor device confirming the man’s status as an
obermaschinisten. Above that is a Hohenzollern Crown. Each of the
shoulder boards boasts a gilt navy button. On the reverse reveals these
shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety. They are in mint condition.
$550.00
(Click here for more images)
13-592
PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN/NCO FELDGRAU SHOULDER STRAPS - SEE-BATTALION Nr 1.
This is a very attractive pair of Enlisted Man or NCO shoulder straps from See-Battalion Nr 1. Prior to the outbreak of WW I, a total of three See-Battalions existed. See-Battalion Nr 3 was assigned to
China and only saw service there. See-Battalion Nr 1 and
See-Battalion Nr 2 were assigned to service aboard larger ships, and to
diplomatic legation protection. [This is very much the role that the U.S.
Marine Corps (USMC) served prior to WW II. As a matter of fact, a
USMC battalion was based in China, until withdrawn when the Japanese
were about to occupy their positions]. As WW I developed, the
See-Battalions were expanded and became the Marine-Infantrie
(along with Marine-Artillerie). They served as ground troops in
Flanders.
Our offering today is a pair of Enlisted Man/NCO feldgrau shoulder
straps from See-Battalion Nr 1. The shoulder straps’ background is
feldgrau. At the top is the Hohenzollern Crown, crossed anchors, and a
Roman numeral "I" for See-Battalion Nr 1. They are sew-on
straps. A 1" piece, where some of the stitching has come loose, marks one of
the two straps. It is not detractive. You must hold it in your hand and flex
the material a bit to see it. These straps are quite scarce. They would make
a superb addition to any collection.
$595.00
(Click here for more images)
13-328 SINGLE SHOULDER
STRAP TO A ONE YEAR VOLUNTEER IN NAVY
SEE BATTALION Nr 1 - PRUSSIA.
This is a very colorful single shoulder board for a
One-Year-Volunteer in Navy See Battalion
Nr 1. The trim of the board is the
national colors of Germany: red, black, and white. A gold
Hohenzollern Crown is over crossed anchors. They are, in
turn, over the numeral "1" that indicates the 1st
battalion. Some minor shredding appears at the board’s
bottom. This is still a scarce shoulder board. It would make
a very fine addition to a Navy or shoulder board collection,
or even for somebody who is looking for something really
different. $235.00
(Click here for more images)
13-512 SINGLE ENLISTED MAN SINGLE SHOULDER STRAP -
SEE-BATTALION Nr 2.
This is a single, prewar, shoulder strap for an enlisted man in
See-Battalion Nr 2. This shoulder strap is quite large and measures 6
1/4" x 2 1/4." The strap is white with a black backing. It features a
Hohenzollern Crown, crossed anchors, and a "II" embroidered on it in yellow.
The shoulder strap is in very fine condition.
$375.00
(Click
here for more images)
23-264 PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN/NCO FELDGRAU
SHOULDER STRAPS - SEE-BATTALION Nr V.
This is a wonderful pair of enlisted man/NCO shoulder straps from
See-Battalion Nr V. They are actually quite rare, not only because they
are feldgrau, but because See-Battalion Nr V was formed either
during the pre WW I buildup or during the war itself. The old-line
See-Battalion consisted of See-Battalion Nr’s I through III. See-Battalion Nr I and See-Battalion Nr II were both officially
based in Germany, although they often served as shipboard security much like
Great Britain’s Royal Marines and the USA’s Marines. See-Battalion Nr III
was perhaps the most unusual since it was assigned to duty in China. While
shoulder straps from those three battalions are difficult-to-find, straps from See-Battalion Nr IV and See-Battalion Nr V are truly rare.
As previously mentioned, the shoulder straps are feldgrau, trimmed in
white around the edges. Each strap sports a Hohenzollern Crown above crossed
anchors. The battalion designation, "V," appears below the crossed
anchors. The boards are unissued. They have never been attached to a tunic.
That said, the suggestion of honest aging gives them true character.
$795.00
(Click here for more images)
13-626 ENLISTED MAN/NCO FELDGRAU SHOULDER STRAPS - NAVY SEE-BATTALION.
This is a very fine
pair of enlisted man/NCO shoulder straps from the Navy See-Battalion.
Prior to the beginning of WW I, three battalions were considered Marine-Infanterie.
These troops handled onboard security of larger navy vessels and also served
as guards at German consulates. See-Battalion Nr III was stationed in
China and served as a land force. With the beginning of WW I, two more
battalions were initially formed. They became See-Battalion Nr IV and See-Battalion Nr V. As the war continued and more units were formed,
they were considered more in the nature of Marine-Infanterie. Further See-Battalion/Marine-Infanterie shoulder straps were unnumbered. That
is the case with our offering today. Each of these shoulder straps is
feldgrau and measures 4 3/4" x 2." Embroidered on each strap in yellow is a
pair of crossed anchors with a Hohenzollern Crown over them. The shoulder
straps are trimmed in white. These are in excellent condition.
$495.00
(Click here for more images)
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