Chip

I have an infantry index to 251 Divisions, which was compiled by Ralph Whitehead. Unfortunately, it's for infantry only. Chip

Hardy, Nice to see your saddles. I wish there was more information available about the various models. My example is complete, except for the Lanzenschuhe. That's too bad, because I have a lance. The only accessories I have are a set of saddlebags and a Hufeisentasche. I'm missing the Kochgeschirr holder, sword hanger, carbine shoe, packroll, etc. I saw a set of accessories all made from Papiergarn on the French WWI forum. Unbelievable stuff! Chip

Hmmm. Wasn't there a Model 1889? There should be more markings on this, especially manufacturer marks. My saddle has marks on both sides of the sweat flaps (Schweißblätter), unit mark and date on the inside middle (U.R.20 1895) and on the outside high up under the seat flap (F.Cobau). Normally, a crown on leather items denotes a Bavarian B.A. acceptance, but that would appear with a corps Roman numeral beneath (I., II., III.). So, Hardy may be correct. Anyway, it's a good guess. Chip

Chris, Regarding the material of the Drillichanzug, Kraus describes it as "rohgrauem Leinen-Drillich". He says that with repeated washings the color became bleached out. They started experimenting with a feldgrau shade of gray on a material like Feldrock lining cloth in the summer of 1913, but with no outcome due to the start of the war. Chip

It definitely is a nice one. I was a bit surprised when I saw the final price, but the chance to get one only comes along once every year or two. Not that many survived. In 1992 I paid $300 for a nicely B.A. marked Radfahrer Umhang and I think that would fall into about the same category of scarceness (today). You add for inflation between then and now and you have about what you paid. I have a mint pair of Drillich trousers that are marked to a field artillery unit. I also have a mint Drillich navy work outfit with trousers and a collarless shirt. Chip

The officer most likely is a Kürassier, as there was only one J.z.P. regiment with a royal cypher (J.z.P.R.Nr.1). There were four cyphered Kürassier regiments. Chip

Charles, It has only been a month since you first asked! It took me nearly fifty years to find one. You are younger than me.....be patient!

Chris, I was watching that one too. A very nice example. I've had the trousers for years, but the jacket has escaped me. You're fortunate that I was broke when the auction ended.

It's also apparently an altered issue enlisted man's tunic. Interesting to say the least. Chip

10.01-1917 - 25.02.1918 with the 505.Inf Brig. (253.Inf.Div.). I have a strap from their sister regiment, Nr.609. Chip

I hope you have a long romance with your new boots, but if you ever sell them you can get a new car.

Nice examples Eric! I wish I collected type pieces and not manufacturers. Life would be easier and cheaper. Chip

However, I think this specific pair might be reproductions. Do you still have the link to the auction?

Eric, I can solve your problem. So you don't have to split the spade and cover, I'll take them both! Chip

Chris, The 3.Jäger Rgt. had company numbers at least up to 15!

I actually had a good 35mm camera then, but the glass of the display cases made getting a good photo nearly impossible. Chip

Adler1, I took that photo back in the 1980s! Chip

Eric, There is at least one more of these MG parts inserts at the Royal Belgian Army Museum in Brussels. It used to be on display, but since they remodeled many of the old displays have been removed. Chip

Charles, Which ones? If you mean all of the nifty ones they had on display about two years ago, that was a temporary exhibit and they are back in the vaults. Good luck seeing them again. I was on the collections committee and the curator would not even let me see them though I asked on several occasions over a period of a year.

Only ebay knows for sure. You just don't see them that often. I've never owned one. Chip

Oooooh! Really nice!

I should say.... There was a Reichswehr issue pair on Ebay recently. They were marked inside and even had a period Etikett sewn in. Chip

Chris, No, I haven't but it would make sense to cover that gap between the top of the shoe and the leather Gamaschen. Of course, the Scots/Brits and Canucks had them for their highland units that wore knee socks. Chip

I've got three pair. One commercial, one field made from the bottom 4" of an overcoat and an issue navy canvas pair. Always wanted a "Mars" or "Hindenburg" or any of the other period labelled pair, but never had the money at the right time. Chip

Tell you what Charles, send me the tunic to go with my cap and your worries are over.