Chip

There was an Alpenkorps stein! I had a chance to buy one back in the 1980s, but didn't have the money. Chip

Chris, Thanks for posting that. Just one question. How can this be the first company? It's the IV.Bataillon, which would have had companies #13-16? If you look at the document in post #11, it has a very similar stamp to the one on this card. It is also the IV.Bataillon, but it is the 13.Komp.. Chip

Chris, Yes, I know of an original one in a collection. Here is a picture of it. Could we see the back of your postcard? Thanks, Chip

Well, what goes around comes around and here we are beginning to talk about the black skull patch again. While I agree with Robin, in that there are many insignia out there that have yet to be seen in a period photo or in other collections (I have been trying to identify this patch for nearly thirty years!), I still agree with Chris.... that this is a fantasy piece. I base that opinion solely on the construction, the materials and the condition of the piece. Having seen several of the original Flammenwerfer patches, it just does not measure up. Far from being the last word on any subject, I don't think we will ever have any proof on this one, as I don't believe there is any to be had. I would, however, be the first to say I was wrong, should that day come. Chip

I'd rather use "EK1" as a code for sexy blonds. :whistle:

Thanks Sashaw! Chip

Is "Gefreiten" a mis-spelling? I have always seen it as Gefreiter. Chip

These are normally considered navy binoculars and were sold to many countries before the war. Are there date markings on the short pieces that come off of the central adjustment hinge? They would appear like this, X.16 or IV.14. Chip

Chris, Any indication as to where the photo was taken? The collar and the strap are darker than one would expect for Resedagrün. On the other hand, this is a private purchase tunic, or at least an issue tunic with a modified collar and strap. The strap is wider than a normal M15, but I chalk this off to it being private purchase too. Very few Offizierstellvertreter shoulder straps are actually modified from enlisted straps. I have a few examples, but more commonly, they just had them made by a tailor. Chip

Glenn, Do you have or have access to the Bavarian uniform regulations from the war years? Regards, Chip

Chris, Very nice indeed. 3.Jäger Regiment, however. Chip

There are a few cyphers and abbreviations that have "M"s, but none like this. The 11.Marburger Jägers, the 1.Bav.I.R., the Landwehr Inspektion München and Metz, Minenwerfer (MW), etc., all had "M"s. It can't be a royal cypher, as you can see there is no crown where it would normally be. Chip

I'm seeing the R.I.R.111 (or Landwehr I.R.111). Chip

The ID of the unit could depend on the date of the photo. After May of 1915 the Bavarian Schneeschuh Batls. became battalions of the Jäger Regiment Nr.3. I believe, at that time the name Schneeschuh was officially dropped and they just became the 1st and 4th battalions of the new Jäger regiment. Chip

The only distinctive insignia are the collar tabs, which are typical for a junior medical officer or an official (Beamte). Other than that, it is difficult to say more, because the shoulder straps and tunic cuffs give us no clues. Chip

The stenciling on the shoulder board is very reminiscent of that on the boards of the imperial mountain artillery, though I doubt that the Tsarist army had mountain artillery divisions with this high of a unit number. Chip

So this document is really just an "Atta Boy"? They must have been bored that day in the orderly room. Chip

Thanks Hardy! Great job. I really like these tags. They fill in the story behind the wound badge. And as Claudio mentioned, you don't see them that often, as they were normally thrown away. I have two of them and am still looking for one with a green border for gas victims. Chip

Beautiful enamel and an impressive set. Would anyone care to take a stab at translating the Wundzettel? I would be interested to know where his wound(s) were. Thanks, Chip

Chris L.! You broke the boycott! :banger:

OK, now you are bragging about duping us for so long. That's it! No more posts until you show us something! :P

Yes, neither man is an officer. Of course, since he was a one year volunteer before the war, he might have been on a track to become an officer eventually. Chip

Who's virtuous? :cheeky:

Yes! Yes! I knew it! Chris, I'm getting to know you too well! So let's see your new addition. (Since the cat is more or less out of the bag.) Chip

I'm guessing it has something to do with his Bavarian Jäger headgear collection. :rolleyes: