"M" on shoulderboard?

[Thomas W]

Is this an "M"? If so, does it stand for "Musketen-Bataillon"?

[IrishGunner]

I am only beginning my study of German Imperial uniforms, but I haven't come across a "M" shoulder strap in my neophyte experience. Hopefully, Chip or Chris Boonzaier will come by and comment - they are the experts.

Any chance you can scan the entire photo? It's pretty hard to read the shoulder strap; other clues in the photo might help.

From my knowledge the Musketen-Bataillon were part of infantry regiments; therefore, I would think they would have shoulder straps matching their regiment. Perhaps this is really an infantry regiment cypher and not a solitary "M".

[Chris Boonzaier]

You sure its an "M" ? Everytime I look at it I see something different...

[IrishGunner]

Chris, that's exactly my problem; at first I saw "28". Then I can see the "x" in the middle of the M. Then it's back to something else.

That's why I think it's a cypher.

Are there even such a thing as a "M" shoulder straps?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Its like that drawing where you see the naked girl then old womans face, depending on how you focus.

I saw 211 then XX then W

[Thomas W]

You sure its an "M" ? Everytime I look at it I see something different...

Here's an enhanced view. Looks very "emmy" to me...

[Chris Boonzaier]

But the thin line upper left to lower right just in front of the M makes it look like a W

[Chris Boonzaier]

VIX may also be a runner...

[Thomas W]

I didn't think of Roman numerals. That opens up all sorts of possibilities.

[Tom Y]

Just to add to the confusion I see an 88.

[Chip]

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

Chip

[Thomas W]

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

Chip

And now so am I! Thanks, Chip. The "M" morphed into an "111" right before my very eyes.

[IrishGunner]

I knew Chip could solve the mystery. I see the 111 too...

But still think it could be a cypher that hasn't revealed itself yet.

And Chip - I haven't seen an "M" shoulder strap in my meager resources. Can you answer the question: Is an "M" even realistically possible?

Edited September 4, 2010 by IrishGunner

[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

Edited September 4, 2010 by Chip