Uniform Color

[Mike Dwyer]

Some of you know I collect postcards of Imperial German royalty. I was looking at some of my cards today and I noticed that I have two where the dress uniform they are wearing in obviously not dunkleblau, it's something much lighter. Is this some type of feldgrau parade dress uniform or what?

Here are the two photos:

[Scott]

It seems the Prinz has enough medal loops to last him awhile!

[Daniel Murphy]

Mike,

Some German states used a lighter color blue for their uniforms than Prussia. Also royalty would have been given a little more leeway and many may have had more distinctive uniforms made in an even lighter shade. Since I see no swords on any of the medals or Iron Crosses, I would assume these are prewar blue and not 1915 friedenrocks. As to the number of loops, most likely these men are not wearing everything to which they are entitled.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Mike Dwyer]

It seems the Prinz has enough medal loops to last him awhile!

Yeah. He's kind of a sad character though, on 21 April 1918 the reigning Herzog von Anhalt dies and Prinz Eduard becomes Eduard Herzog von Anhalt. Then he goes and dies on 13 September 1918! Pretty short reign (although not as short as his successor who only reigned from September to November 1918!!!)

Edited June 27, 2006 by Mike Dwyer

[Thomas]

Some German states used a lighter color blue for their uniforms than Prussia.

There is quite a good explanation at this link, check out the color plates at the bottom to see how different the colors were. http://www.kaisersbunker.com/gtp/waffenrock.htm

[Mike Dwyer]

There is quite a good explanation at this link, check out the color plates at the bottom to see how different the colors were. http://www.kaisersbunker.com/gtp/waffenrock.htm

Thanks, Thomas. These two coats must be the much lighter blue versions then.