Is this a Pilot's uniform?

[BenVK]

Picked this drawing up off ebay recently. Still waiting for it to arrive but in the meantime, can I ask if it's an aviators uniform? The seller described it as such but you know what ebay is like. Doesn't really matter to me if it's not, I just love this portrait anyway but it would be nice to know.
Thanks
Ben

[BenVK]

I had to use the ebay photos which aren't the best. Will get some better ones done when (if) it arrives!

[BenVK]

Haven't managed to trace the artist yet.

[pauke]

pic

Looks like a Saxon infantry officer's uniform.

[Scott C.]

Could be a faint winged propeller on the shoulderboard? Any chance of a clear close-up of that area?

[BenVK]

Yes, of course, I'll take some photos when it arrives. I can only assume at the moment that something about the uniform has convinced the seller that this guy was a flyer.

[phild]

It also looks to me like he as the air service winged props on the boards. Generally officers would wear whatever uniform that they wore before they transferred to the air service so it would be impossible define a standard tunic pattern for flyers.

The air units were part of the "technical troops" I believe and by strict regualtion (generally not followed by flying officers) would have worn a tunic not unlike a kraftfahr or telegraph officer....except I beleive single collar litzen and the special board devices.

[Mike Huxley]

Ben, to be honest I couldn't tell from the pics you have shown if he was a flier or not. However, I wouldn't care what service he was with. If this is an original period painting, I would just value it for what it is, a lovely item from the time and well painted.

Congratulations on the purchase.

Mike

[KM-NZ]

Whatever he did, it is a very nice portrait, very well done, would look nicer on my wall

Thanks for sharing !

M.

[BenVK]

It arrived today and I'm very pleased. No question that it's of the period. The paper is very, very brittle and unfortunately suffered a slight tear in transit but I can live with that.
Some more pics.

[BenVK]

It's definitely a winged prop on his boards.

[BenVK]

But what's this on his tunic?

[BenVK]

I had to wait a month for it but it's worth the wait. Not bad for 60 euros.

[Scott C.]

Nice!

[regular122]

Ben,

To me it looks like he is wearing three ribbons.

Top - Looks like the Merit Order.
Second - Order of Albert, probably Knight level w/ Swords?
Third - EK II

He is obviously highly decorated and probably traceable. Steve