Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a scarce WWI Imperial German Bavarian Pioneer (Engineers) Officer’s Tunic of the 1910/15, or M-1915 Variety.

As officers were required to provide their own uniforms, there is a great degree of variety with the details amongst surviving examples. This particular uniform has features of a field uniform, and a service uniform as well. It is made of a fine wool gabardine material, with black velvet collar and cuffs.

Piped in red along the front edge, and rear skirt swallowtail, the cuffs and collar denoting Technical Troops (Aviation, Pioneer, Artillery, etc.) Cuffs are of the “Swedish” Cuffs of the turnback style with two non-functional buttons. All Buttons are of a bronze finish, and each is marked “HOCHFEINE QUALITAT A&S”.

The Tunic is fitted with Pioneer Lieutenant Shoulder Boards, with black underlay and black chevrons throughout the silver bullion of the rank boards. The Boards are of the sewn-in variety, and are original to the garment. The left chest is fitted with a ribbon bar which was fitted with two loops to secure the ribbon bar (one has unfortunately broken, so the ribbon bar is currently pinned directly to the chest of the tunic.) The ribbon bar includes a ribbon for the Iron Cross 2nd Class, Bavarian Military Order of Merit, and the Honor Cross of the World War 1914-1918. The ribbon Bar wear and age matches that of the uniform, with some wear and slight damage to the surface, which does not detract from the outward appearance when on display.

Interior has a dark gray twill polished cotton/wool lining, with a single interior pocket at the left chest, and two pockets behind the swallowtail on the skirt. At the waist is an interior belt, which gave the wearer a tailored look when secured at the waist when not wearing a belt.

The uniform is in good condition, considering its age, and just how rare WWI Imperial German Feldgrau uniforms are. There is mothing and small nips here are there throughout the body of the uniform, with some old, very small, collector’s repairs to some of the slightly larger holes. Some areas of the cuffs have lost their flocking in areas that have seen wear from honest use. Overall, a very attractive tunic that displays very nicely despite these slight drawbacks.

Imperial German Feldgrau uniforms are incredibly hard to find on the market today, both officer and enlisted. Aside from the attrition of clothing worn in the trenches, much was burned as a result of the Spanish Influenza Pandemic and lice infestations. What survived was either worn out by veterans who repurposed their old uniforms as everyday clothing following the bleak years during the massive depression that raged throughout Germany, or, was simply repurposed or converted for use with the Reichswehr.

An excellent addition to a First World War collection!