Original Austro-Hungarian WWI Era Generaloberst White Gala Adjustierung (Waffenrock) with Correct Sash and Plumed Bicorn – Formerly Part of the A.A.F. Tank Museum Original Items

Original Items: Only One Uniform Set Available. Now this is an incredible and rare uniform set for an unnamed Generaloberst (Colonel General). 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.

The uniform itself is a Gala Dress for General Officers. Waffenrock was derived from the substantive wâfenroc or wâpenroc (“weapon tunic”) of knights. It was often made from expensive silk cloth. The colors of this cloth corresponded to those on the shield quartering. In spirit of this, the heraldic figures on the coat of arms were frequently designed by gold and silver embroidery.

In the Prussian Army, the service coat was common called Montierung. It was renamed to Soldatenrock in October 23, 1842, by the Prussian cabinet order of His Majesty. In 1843, it was finally renamed to Waffenrock. All German-speaking armies commonly used this wording, except for the Austro-Hungarian Army (later Austrian Army), where the designation Adjustierung was in use.

The uniform is in impeccable condition, but as with most white uniforms of this era, it now has the aged appearance of being a light beige color. All uniforms are present with a great polished brass finish and are all marked on the reverse. The standing color is original to the uniform and was not replaced or repaired as they are so often encountered. There are 3 bullion stars on each side indicating the rank of Generaloberst (Colonel General), though this could also be for a General der Waffengattung (General of the Branch). There is light staining and mothnips present, but nothing that subtracts from the beauty of it. It is fully lined on the interior with rayon or white polished cotton.

The sash for the service and full dress uniform of Austro-Hungarian Generals according to uniform regulations of 1910/11, is made of gold thread with two in-woven black stripes, long gold tassels, the conclusion embroidered with the initials “FJI”, complete with clasp.

The lovely General officer bicorn of the Military Chancellery of his Majesty the Emperor and King and for aides-de-camp of the Austro-Hungarian Army according to the uniform regulations of 1910/11, the hat made of black silk felt, patterned gold lace trim, the rosettes at the two ends with the “double headed eagle”, red silk lining, brown stamped sweatband, green feather plume (dyed vulture feathers). The cap itself is in incredible condition with a great shape. The green feathers plume is also in similar condition but as per the aging process, the feathers easily pull free, so handle with caution.

The uniform came to us with a medal bar that was unfortunately safety pinned to the uniform due to the missing and torn award loops. The medals are all period originals but may not be original to the uniform and was added for display purposes.

The medals included on the bar are as follows:
– Tyrol Commemorative Medal (Tiroler Landesdenkmünze), 1914-1918
– Bulgarian and Hungarian 1915-1918 Commemorative Medal
– Hungary WWΙ Commemorative Medal Pro Deo et Patria for Combatants
– The Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918
– Karl Troop Cross
– Medal for Bravery (Austria-Hungary)
– Military Merit Medal (Austria-Hungary)
– Silver Military Merit Medal (Austria-Hungary)

This is an incredible uniform, perfect candidate for research. Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5″
Shoulder to sleeve: 23”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15.5”
Chest width: 18″
Waist width: 17″
Hip width: 18″
Front length: 32″