Indentifying Kaiser Wilhelm II Tunic

[Zepenthusiast]

Hi,

Can anyone conclusively identify the tunic Wilhelm II is wearing in this shot? It resembles an image I was shown of a Bavarian 1916 Field Jacket , to a large degree, but the collar of this tunic would seem to be of a different material (and ? color) than that of the Bavarian example. The Wilhelm II photo is from 1918.

Thanks!

Jim

[Brian Calkins]

Jim,
I don't have an answer for you...but whatever answers come back, keep in mind he could have had uniforms tailored in any way and of any material he wanted.

[Zepenthusiast]

Hi Brian,

An important point, to be sure

My take on Wilhelm, for what it's worth after a couple of biographies anyway, is that he greatly enjoyed the connection/his role with his army and his multiple honorary commands, perhaps to the extent he wouldn't want to separate himself too much from them via custom uniform options uniquely available to him? If that is true, someone here can likely "pin" this tunic...

Otherwise, odds are your supposition is correct...

Jim

[pzrwest]

Can't see the picture with either IE or Firefox, anyone else have this problem? Just see an x in a box

[Zepenthusiast]

Hi Pzrwest,

Just opened this on my wife's computer (IE) and the image comes up OK. I hate those squares with the x in them. They usually seem to pop up when an image has been deleted from photobucket, etc., but don't know why you should run into that at present.

Jim

[Chip M]

I think this is the standard M1910 type general's tunic for foot troops. As to the boards, it appears that they have a dark piping, which I would interpret as red and would have the Generalfeldmarschall batons and royal cyphers he wore as Kaiser and adjutant to Wilhelm I.

Chip

[Zepenthusiast]

Thanks, Chip--I do believe you have nailed it down!

Found this link in support of your opinion:

http://home.comcast.net/~jcviser/uniforms/m1915_bl.htm

Sure does show what looks to be the exact same tunic design, and explains the presence of the flap over the buttons. (That had previously caused me to rule out the M1910/1915, based on my limited understanding.)

Do you by chance know what the collar material and color would be? I note in the illustrations linked, a somewhat different shade/texture is used for the collar, and the texture of Wilhelm's collar--where visible around the general's tabs--also suggests something with a finer texture than the body of the tunic (the latter having an easily visible weave texture).

Much appreciate all the helpful response!

[pzrwest]

I see the pictures now don't know why I couldn't before

[PlaceOfBayonets]

Hi,

Can anyone conclusively identify the tunic Wilhelm II is wearing in this shot? It resembles an image I was shown of a Bavarian 1916 Field Jacket , to a large degree, but the collar of this tunic would seem to be of a different material (and ? color) than that of the Bavarian example. The Wilhelm II photo is from 1918.

Thanks!

Jim

The Kaiser! Where is the Were not worthy emoticon??

[ccj]

I see one photo of the Kaiser in a M15 tunic for a general officer.

[Zepenthusiast]

Thanks, CCJ--do you know anything additional about the collar material (vs the rest of the tunic)?

Jim

[ccj]

Only that the material is the same as the tunic similar to the Bavarian style. I can't tell if the color is piped or if that's a shadow. The tabs appear to be 1910 scarlet and not the grey 1915 pattern. its like a hybred between 1910 and 1915.

[Zepenthusiast]

Thanks!

Jim