Item Description
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 ¼” standing collar, which is an indication of this being a private purchase. 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. Once set up properly the uniform actually display very well and pictures just do not do it any justice!
A beautiful set that comes more than ready for further research and display.
Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 18.5"
Waist width: 17.5"
Hip width: 22"
Front length: 35.5"
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