Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a lovely M-1867 Waffenrock, featuring the beautiful Swedish Cuffs! In 1842, Preußen (Prussia) introduced a new pattern of uniform for all foot-troops consisting of a uniform called a Waffenrock to be worn with a tall leather spiked helmet called a Pickelhaube. This form of dress was considerably different from the short Kollet (a waist-length jacket with tails) worn with the high leather Tschako during the Napoleonic wars.

Dunkelblau (dark blue) Waffenrock were typically worn by Infantry, Feldartillerie (Field Artillery), Fußartillerie (Foot Artillery) Regiments, Train (Supply), Pionier (Pioneers) and most other units. Hellblau (light blue) Waffenrock were worn by the majority of Dragoner (Mounted Infantry) Regiments (except Hessen) while dark green Waffenrock were worn by Jäger (light Infantry) Battalions.

Issued Waffenrocks tend to be dark while Eigetumsstück (privately purchased) Waffenrocks are much lighter in color. Officer's Waffenrock, when compared to an issued Waffenrock from the same unit, are considerably lighter in color as they were privately purchased. Conjointly, the lighter color was probably deemed "more fashionable" than the darker issued Waffenrocks of the men.

An AKO on 25 April 1895 announced the final refinements to the Waffenrock. The collar height on issue Waffenrock ranged from 4.5 to 5 cm, however, privately purchased Waffenrock invariably have higher collars ranging from 6 cm to 7 cm. Buttons were reduced in size from 25mm to 21mm. The rear skirt was given an actual vent on the M1895 Waffenrock, allowing the two rear skirt liner pockets to be accessed through a long vertical slit opening between the rear scallops. The color of the Waffenrock ranged from light to dark blue or green and the collar and cuffs came in a rainbow of colors as did the shoulder straps. The Waffenrock was to stay in this form until the eventual replacement by the M1907/10 Feldgrau Feldrock.

This M1867 has a lovely 2” standing collar, which is an indication of this being a private purchase. Each side of the collar have the corrent General Ranks bullion direct embroidered. The color is the correct Dunkelblau and has red Swedish Cuffs for a General Officer. The Swedish cuff has a horizontal panel around the circumference of the cuff, with two buttons. The cuff is piped in the Army Corps color. As with the other Regiments of the Army, NCOs wore silver or gilt lace around the collar and cuffs from the rank of Unteroffizier and above.

The uniform came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser's donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this uniform was acquired.

The overall condition of the uniform set is quite nice though there are a few areas more worn than the others. The loops for holding shoulder boards or the aiguillette are unfortunately torn, partly present or completely missing. The interior is fully lined with a rayon or high polished beige cotton with some rather extensive tearing towards the top. There are very faint markings with what appears to be multiple names and a faded date of 1908. Once set up properly the uniform actually displays very well and pictures just do not do it any justice!

To complete the uniform assemble is an incredible Garde Korps M1886/1914 Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet and Plume, in complete wonderful condition. The M1886/14 Pickelhaube was the final evolution in a long series of spiked helmets. The M1886 version features a cruciform spike base on ALL helmets, both enlisted and officer. The star retaining pins on the base definitely identify this as an officer.

Like all pickelhauben, it was manufactured from boiled leather, lacquered black, and provided with fittings made of brass or German silver, dependent upon the Regt. The protection it offered was very limited and led to the eventual replacement by a steel helmet in 1916.

This is a very good condition Helmet Wappen (Front Plate) from one of the Prussian Garde Korps Regiments, which was most likely used during the WWI Period. Often referred to by the French term Garde du Corps, these regiments were somewhat intended as "home guard", responsible for the protection of the Emperor himself, and were generally regarded quite highly. The regiments only recruited members from Preußen (Prussia) itself, and all members were considered "elite".

The Prussian Garde wappen (coat of arms) features a large eagle holding a scepter and an orb, and is made of non-magnetic alloy, most likely zinc-based. Across the wings is a banner bearing the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). There is a large 8 pointed star in the middle, which is the emblem of the Hoher Orden vom Schwarzen Adler (Order of the Black Eagle). The motto SUUM CUIQUE (to each his own) is marked above an eagle, with laurel leaves below. This pattern, with the voided crown and enameled central eagle with gilt lettering, is one of the most desirable types: the officer pattern.

The helmet has the German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockade) around the right and left chinstrap lugs. In 1897 the new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the helmet, and the state Kokarde was moved to the left. This helmet was most likely missing one and had a spare added.

The Attached chin scales is complete and original, which have always been incredibly hard to find, as they were rather fragile, even when new. The leather backing is still present, though does have tearing present with material loss.

The helmet's interior reveals no depot marks on the back visor. It is marked as being size 56cm. The lacquer finished leather is in good condition having no serious issues, just the usual cracking and finish crazing due to age. The all around stitching is extremely solid and in great condition. The front visor is still firmly attached, while there is just the tiniest bit of movement in the rear visor.

The inside liner is still present, as is the linen skullcap which is partially detached. The condition of the interior indicates that this helmet did not see much use in service, as those worn into battle are often far more stained and deteriorated. The attached plume at the top is present and still retains nearly all of the original black and white feathers.

An incredible uniform set that would be hard to pass up! Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 18.5"
Waist width: 17.5"
Hip width: 23"
Front length: 33"