Wartime? Military?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

Does anyone know if these were made specifically for iniform wearers? It has 3 button holes around the edge of where collar would go... Obviously not issue item?

Did they wear things like this with civilian clotes as well?

Thanks

Chris

[Chip]

Chris,

I think this was the style of the period and that army issue was based (as often happens) on civilian wear. When it came to underwear, men in the field could wear privately purchased pieces if they wanted. The issue stuff had to be washed now and then. In the field, as you know, you can never have enough clean socks and underwear.

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Chris.

The pictured item seems civilian . The material used IMO as tagged is egypt. cotton of fine quality and for helth purposes, hardly used for military purposes.

Bernhard H. Holst

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

I agree that it is not military issue, I meant, is it civilian/Private purchase for use with army uniforms, or was such a garment also used with civilian suits back then?

It seems to be designed for wear under tunics as opposed to civilian shirts?

Best

Chris

[Hoss]

Chris

private purchase many of these items were sent to the soldiers, I've a period sweater with the same style tag.

Chip

Regarding socks you know of wrapping the feet in linen squares? were they offical issue at anytime during the war?

Eric

[Chip]

Fusslappen were issued starting in 1916, but were not popular, as it took practice to fold the 40cm x 40cm square properly so that the creases did not irritate the foot. According to Kraus they were woolen squares.

Chip

[Hoss]

Thanks Chip

Only found out about them a couple of months ago reading on a reenactment blog.

Eric