Chip

That's the reason it's so nice. It most likely was the fellow's walking out dress uniform (not worn much and often kept at home or in the Kaserne). I've got an issued one (simplified pattern, Bavarian artillery).

Chip

It is unfortunately a private purchase one of thinner wool than the issue ones.

That's the reason it's so nice. It most likely was the fellow's walking out dress uniform (not worn much and often kept at home or in the Kaserne).

Chip

I would think 550 Euro a very fair price for one in that condition, especially coming out of France, where prices seem to be the highest for German pieces.

Chip

I've got my kleenex out (and not for tears ).

Eric,

A great 1917 piece, with the correct truncated Borte and shoulder Schlaufen.

Chip

The Schlaufen were not authorized for the Bluse until November of 1916, so you will see the tunics both with and without them, depending on when they were manufactured.

Chip

Yes, Baden used the Prussian eagle on the collar buttons

So what is this then?

The good news is that I have four steel Gefreiter collar disks, though none match exactly (kinda like the company buttons on your Bluse). I can send you a scan if you would like to see them.

Chip

Chris,

Bad news....those are the wrong buttons. What you need is Gefreiter buttons, not Sergeant buttons. The Gefreiter buttons are smaller. A Sergeant's tunic would have subdued collar lace.

Chip

Eric,

First time I have seen a "1" size marked Tasche. I have two "2"s and I have seen "3"s before, but except in photos, never a "1".

Chip

Charles,

The Tornister was not normally carried into combat. Marches yes, but not the full pack for combat. You do see a makeshift version, the so-called Sturmgepäck. It consisted of a Kochgeschirr with overcoat or blanket wrapped around it with pack straps. It used breadbag straps as shoulder braces.

Chip

Never seen one to a Padre. Nice, unusual, private purchase tag!

Chip

Chris,

Thanks for showing the interiors. I had never seen an open one.

Chip

I would assume that he is in IR40. Odd that he would have a Reichsrevolver. Those were normally carried by artillery and other rear echelon troops. Looks like an Ausmarsch photo.

Chip

Chris,

These are like maps. Once you unfold them it is very difficult to put them back correctly. Good luck with that. A few years back a large stash of these was found with bundles of these dressings covered in civilian cloth, but with the normal military ink markings. All with 1918 dates and in the same manner as so many other things that substituted civilian/commercial cloth for the normal cotton. My 1918 Bluse is lined with black pinstriped civilian cloth. They were getting down to the nubbins.

Chip

With those rounded noses, I suspect that ammo is high explosive. Tracers and armor piercing are more tapered/pointed. I have a somewhat similar French round.

Chip

Oberstleutnant Max Hoffmeister, Commander of Infantry Regiment Nr.189.

You might notice in the photo that the soldier is wearing the special, green and silver thread, Oberjäger Troddel.

Chip

Here's the most favored in my collection.

Chip

Here are some Bavarian Jäger Sterbebilder.

Chip

I have my great uncle's stuff (American 42nd "Rainbow" Division) and in with it was a French ammo pouch that he carried miscellaneous small things in. I also have a French ChauChat ammo clip bag that a doughboy used for similar purposes. He has written his name and unit on it.

Chip

Chris,

No, I had not seen those, but now I know who is outbidding me on 3.Jäger Rgt. Sterbebilder! I have one of these. The one to Leonhard Sinzinger, has the spelling corrected on the first name to Bernhard on subsequent cards. Evidently, the printer screwed up the name and had to fix some of the cards.

Johann Echter died from his wounds on July 6th, 1916 (good catch on that one!).

I didn't see any Hampps in the regimental history on those dates.

I'm still working on a complete alphabetical listing for the entire regiment. The regimental history gives the deaths by date. So finding Konrad Fuchs without knowing the death date is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Perhaps the location (St.Marie a Py) might provide a clue as to the date?

Chip

Yeah, the very first official can had a concave ring around the middle, while later Gummimaske cans and all subsequent cans had a convex ring (see the two in the photo). Of course, the wooden body can is an exception.

The straps were a light cotton canvas.

Chip

Rohr was partially Jewish. I think he had a grandparent that fit the bill. I'm sure it chapped Hitler that hero, Rohr was not pure.

Chip

Sandsack helmet covers. Cool.