Original Austro-Hungarian Empire WWI Era Feldmarschall Waffenrock Tunic with Decorated Kepi – Formerly Part of the A.A.F. Tank Museum Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a fantastic and extremely rare Austro-Hungarian Empire WWI Era gray Waffenrock Uniform tunic for a Feldmarschall (Field Marshall), along with a decorated General Officer’s Kepi. “Feldmarschall” (Hungarian Tábornagy) was the highest rank in the Austro-Hungarian Army, and this uniform bears the 33mm “wavy” gold “galloon” embroidery on the collar “gorget patches”, along with the three Oak Leaves, only used for this highest of ranks. There are similar decorations around the cuffs.

The kepi has the correct gold bullion “Russia Braid” around the bottom and going up to the golden front cockade. The kepi has the Austro-Hungarian Empire double headed eagle badge on the right side, with a K. K. Lstr. J. R. 2 1916-1917 badge on the left, and an 11. ARMEE TIROL 1916 badge on the rear. Truly a great offering with wonderful research and display potential.

The uniform came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser’s donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this uniform was acquired.

Both the Waffenrock and the Kepi have the original maker’s labels still present, though faded, and both are marked with the correct “k.u.k. Hoflieferant” markings, indicating that they had received an Imperial and Royal Warrant of Appointment (kaiserlicher und königlicher Hoflieferant). As such they supplied goods or services to the Austrian imperial court in Vienna and/or the Hungarian royal court in Budapest. The warrant was normally an official document, which enabled the supplier to advertise the fact and thus lend itself prestige.

The tunic does have a stamp from WESTERN COSTUME CO, indicating it was purchased off the surplus market for use in film productions. It was far cheaper at the time for the costume and film companies to purchase surplus than it was to fabricate these items, and this is definitely an original item, not a costume shop fabrication.

Condition of the Tunic and Kepi are very good, though they definitely do show some age-related deterioration, being over 100 years in age. There is some fading of the colors, and the bullion and metal components no longer shine as they once did. As this was a costume piece for a while, it is also definitely possible that the original size was altered somewhat, and that parts may have been repaired.

WWI Era Austro-Hungarian uniforms are extremely rare, especially for ranks as high as Feldmarschall. This is the first example we have had, and are unlikely to have another anytime soon. Ready to research and display!

Approximate Measurements:

Collar to shoulder: 10.5″
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 17”
Chest width: 19.5″
Waist width: 17″
Hip width: 20″
Front length: 30″