Bavarian Schwere Reiter M09 Tunic

[Chip]

I have that book. It's a nice one. The two volume Kraus set (now expanded to three volumes) is a much superior publication for detailed information. His book on the WWI collections of the Bavarian Army Museum and Heeresgeschichtliches Museum is more or less a picture book, though I do refer to it occasionally, to see actual type pieces.

Chip

[Hoss]

Bluse with the shoulder loop and a mantel same where the boards have been sewn in. I have a picture somewhere with them rolled up on the shoulder ala French style to stop gear slipping off ?

Eric

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

a French collector confirms that this is a Bavarian schwerer Reiter with a non regulation green collar.

It is a difficult Tunic to identify as the total number of men in the Bavarian Heavy Cavalry was just 2 battalions, or just two thirds the size of an infantry regiment. Each of the two Regiments was under 700 men, about the size of an Infantry Battalion.

I found one period color drawing of an officer wearing this kind of jacket with the same piping and swedish cuffs, unfortunately he is attached to the Flying branch and he is just described as a beobachter.

If the original owner had been happy with a field grey collar it would have been easier, but all in all I am pretty happy... they may not have been infantry, but its better than artillery :-)

The Nigel Thomas book says "The two bavarian Heavy Cavalry Regiments (1 and 2) had Bavarian Infantry Uniforms, but the M1909 heavy cavalry field tunic had swedish cuffs..."

[Chris Boonzaier]

Ouch.... 251 Divisions rates the Bavarian cavalry division as 4th class :-(((

[Chris Boonzaier]

Here is a nice shot of a bavarian officer with a green collar...

[Chip]

I think the Bavarians tended to do this when the new 1915 regulations first came out. You normally see it on a Waffenrock and not on a Bluse.

Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

Here is a pic of a similar tunic... the officer in question must have transfered in from another branch and as the bavarian cavalry seems to be the only ones with this constalation, maybe that was his origin.

Now, this may sound like wishful thinking, but it is not... The loops on this (see post 7) are really low, and they are 3.6cm apart. No Iron Cross 1st class fits... I had thought one of the Bavarian higher MVOs, but not for an Leutnant. When I saw the card pictured here, I wondered if it may not have been for an observer badge as well? I think quite a few cavalry officers were also flyers?

Anyway, as I said, not wishful thinking on my part... I really wanted a Bavarian infantry officer... cavalry is pretty low on my list and I have never been interested in flyers (if thats what the badge was)

[Chris Boonzaier]

I just picked this up....

They used to be 1. Kürassier-Regiment „Prinz Karl von Bayern“, but in 1878 they dropped the heavy Breat Plates etc and as they no longer had Kürassier equipment, were changed to 1. Schwere Reiter Regiment.

This badge for Veterens of the unit has both designations, I am guessing Pre WW1.... Nice Looking Badge

[JS1]

I do have several photos of Bavarian Heavy cavalry in my new book. Also note that the future peace time uniforms for these regiments were Ulanka style tunic (for some odd reason..)

JS1

http://nicecollectables.zxq.net/themilitaryhistoryshop.htm

[Chris Boonzaier]

Thanks a Million Johan!

I really must get those books!!

[ccj]

I like the tunic Chris and I have seen several tunics with green collars similar to yours.

[Chris Boonzaier]

I like the tunic Chris and I have seen several tunics with green collars similar to yours.

Hi,

It is a nice tunic... but not infantry... :-(

But better than a kick in the jinglies :-)

[ccj]

Well, you can always trade it towards one if you find the right person

[dante]

Just seen this.....here is my 2. Schwere Reiter Regiment

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

another jolly jumper!!