Unusual imperial tunics?

[Tony]

Hello,

I've never noticed this type of tunic before (the light coloured ones). Are they military or postal service (Mike) or something else?

Can anyone ID the medals being worn? China on the left and Centenar on the right maybe? The photo is dated 1917.

Tony

[Tony]

The medals.

[Guest Rick Research]

The medal bar is Prussian General Decoration (Allgemeine Ehrenzeichen) Medal in Silver-- normally given for about 25 years total service in grades below offier, a M1913 XV Years Service Cross for the Prussian army or Imperial navy, and the 1897 Kaiser Wilhelm I Centenary medal.

The fellow at far right is only wearing a state cockade, while the others have two.

[Mike Huxley]

Tony, Hmmm very interesting photo. Any chance of getting a close up of the guy on the right, so we can see his shoulder board? Might give a clue.

[Tony]

Here you go Mike, it isn't a clear scan though.

Tony

[Mike Huxley]

Tony, not what I wanted to see ?? ... unfortunately not the shoulder board I thought. I must agree that the jackets worn by these proud gents do not seem to military. It's a puzzle

[Chris Boonzaier]

Can this be something in the line of a labour corps unit ? Armierungs batln?

[Chip]

These cotton tunics appear to be non-military to me. I would guess they would be Reichs employees....something like railway, phone service, etc. The one shoulderboard does not correspond to anything military, though on first glance, it would appear to be that of an Offizierstellvertreter. It is not that, but more closely resembles the later Reichsbahn board. Some minor officials of some sort.

Chip