Jeff Noll

Just an update. I contacted Das Bundesarchive in Berlin. After a very short time I received a response from Robert Luther. Sadly, Louis Dombrowsky's file does not contain a photograph. My quest continues........

Gunnar, What wonderful news to read! Now I just need to figure out who/how to contact BA Berlin-Lichterfelde to see if they can copy a photo. As I said earlier Dombrowsky's frock coat is in my collection and it would be very fitting to see what he looked like. My artist friend modified a display torso-head for this frock coat. If I had a photo he could do a more realistic rendition of him. His frock coat tag spells his name with as Dombrowsky. The hat, belt, dagger & hangers and ribbon bar are not Dombrowsky's. Jeff

Well I just noticed this search is approaching the 10 year mark! No joy for this collector.

Just when you least expect it someone reaches out from another country to make your day. Ralph765 contacted me and provided a scanned photograph of his great Uncle Franz Geßlein. The photograph was taken in 1908.

Do any of you actually have one of their products? I have written them twice asking where this replicas are made to no avail. Do any of you know who builds these pieces? I am interested in a English Sea Service flintlock. The photos look great but I am been unable to look at any of their products.

These photos are of Klaus Schad's badge I am posting for him.

I am about to believe he never existed? This guy was a first officer on 5 SMS Cruisers and Battleships and the commanding officer of Schwaben. How did he avoid getting his photo taken?

Another "Stairway to Heaven".

What auction?

Not an image but from SMS Emden nevertheless.

Here is my Bavarian Hauptmann's tunic which belonged to Franz Geßsslein He was part of the 9th Bayerisches Infanterie-Regiment for the duration of the war. He is well documented in period Rank Lists and the Bavarian Honor Book. He was promoted Leutnant 27 February 1896, Oberleutnant 08 March 1905, Hauptmann 03 March 1911, and Major 14 December 1917. This bluse was presumably his last before promotion as tailor label is dated 1917. His promotion to Major would have necessitated replacement of the present boards. The bluse’s tailor was located in Würtzburg and Franz Geßlein's 9th Bavarian Infantry Regiment also garrisoned in Würtzburg. He survived the war and was still alive in 1926. The tunic is in wonderful condition. I especially like the Bavarian ribbon around the collar.

Still looking........................

Outstanding quality!!!

Definitely a WW1 tag

No

In support Bayern's comments this tunic has the enlisted type Bluse liner and the wool is very coarse. Hardly private purchase quality doeskin. Seems like whoever made this tunic for the depot also made enlisted ones. I will reiterate I can find no signs of alteration or modifications.

Chris, This was never an enlisted tunic. I haven't had it off the torso for years and don't remember if it has a solbuch pocket but the tunic was made without any holes for belt ramps. Besides the obvious officer's collar there are also hooks on the skirt. Jeff

Here is a quite rare M15 Officer's bluse. This one is marked "B.A.I." and dated 1917. Shoulder boards are subdued lieutenant's numbered "43". This is not a converted enlisted model but rather one made as an officer's. I understand that officer's in the field did not always have access to private tailors to purchase replacement uniforms but they could purchase one from their Clothing Depot.

Bayerisches 9th Infanterie-Regiment Hauptmann Franz Geßlein’s Bluse

Here is my 3rd Garde Grenadier Regiment tunic. B.A.G. marked and dated 1917.

I have still been unable to find a photograph of KLM officer. Surely, someone has one.

Arnholdt Brouch is the maker.

Here are photos of the entire knife. The washer is leather although this is clearly a private purchase piece. I believe the scabbard is original to this knife as the leather handle loop is quite large compared to an average girth of a trench knife handle. The handles are made from horn. It is in very nice condition as can be seen in the photos. The only bayonet detail missing is the cleaning slots in the handle.

Well the bull is actually a pig! Maker is reported to be Arnholdt Brouch.

I just got this WWI German Ks98 style trench knife bayonet. It has the standard Imperial era blade with a large full size bayonet functional hilt. It is polished steel not nickel plated. I have not ever seen this manufacture's Bull logo. Can anyone shed any light on the manufacturer?