Original Bulgarian WWI Lieutenant General Uniform Set With Trousers, Boots, Peaked Visor, Brocade Belt and Dress Sword by E & F Horster – Formerly Part of the A.A.F. Tank Museum Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. Now this is an extremely attractive offering! What we have here is a “full” uniform set for a Bulgarian WWI Era Lieutenant-General. While the uniform is unnamed, this is still an incredible and rather rare uniform set, perfect for further research! The Kingdom of Bulgaria participated in World War I on the side of the Central Powers from 14 October 1915, when the country declared war on Serbia, until 30 September 1918, when the Armistice of Salonica came into effect.

This 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 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 was acquired.

The tunic bears a striking resemblance to an Imperial German Dunkelblau Waffenrock with Polish style cuffs though with button cuffs. The dark blue tunic is in great condition with minor moth nips present throughout but does unfortunately have fraying along the bottom edge of the tunic itself. All buttons appear to be present and still stitched on with great shoulder hours with 2 rank pips indicating the rank of Lieutenant General. The trousers are in similar, great condition.

The brocade belt does show signs of rather extensive wear and fading. While the details on the front buckle are still clear, the cloth portions of the belt are rather fragile in areas with some thread loss. The boots are in excellent condition with signs of wear but no extensive damage.

The peaked visor is also another item that is in wonderful condition and even retains a manufacturer label in the top crown but is unfortunately one we have not been able to translate it. The leather liner and lining itself are still fully attached and in solid order.

The etched sword is a model we have not been able to fully determine but does have a likeness to an Imperial Russian Pattern 1909 Cavalry Officer Sword. The condition of the sword does show signs of extensive use and wear but no significant damage. The leather scabbard is in poor shape with a hard bend and tear in the leather just above the lower brass drag.

The overall condition of all items is very nice, especially once put together and displayed properly with the museum sign!

A lovely uniform set that comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10.5″
Shoulder to sleeve: 25.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 17”
Chest width: 19.5″
Waist width: 22″
Hip width: 16.5″
Front length: 31″

Pants:
Waist: 15″
Inseam: 25″