Original German Pre-WWI Model 1895 Prussian Leib Gendarmerie Dunkelblau Waffenrock With Polish Cuffs and Early 1912 Dated Belt With Buckle – 2 Items Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set of 2 Available. This is a lovely M-1895 Prussian Waffenrock, featuring the beautiful Brandenburg Cuffs! In 1842, Preußen (Prussia) introduced a new pattern of uniform for all foot-troops consisting of a uniform called a Waffenrock to be worn with a tall leather spiked helmet called a Pickelhaube. This form of dress was considerably different from the short Kollet (a waist-length jacket with tails) worn with the high leather Tschako during the Napoleonic wars.

Dunkelblau (dark blue) Waffenrock were typically worn by Infantry, Feldartillerie (Field Artillery), Fußartillerie (Foot Artillery) Regiments, Train (Supply), Pionier (Pioneers) and most other units. Hellblau (light blue) Waffenrock were worn by the majority of Dragoner (Mounted Infantry) Regiments (except Hessen) while dark green Waffenrock were worn by Jäger (light Infantry) Battalions.

Issued Waffenrocks tend to be dark while Eigetumsstück (privately purchased) Waffenrocks are much lighter in color. Officer’s Waffenrock, when compared to an issued Waffenrock from the same unit, are considerably lighter in color as they were privately purchased. Conjointly, the lighter color was probably deemed “more fashionable” than the darker issued Waffenrocks of the men.

An AKO on 25 April 1895 announced the final refinements to the Waffenrock. The collar height on issue Waffenrock ranged from 4.5 to 5 cm, however, privately purchased Waffenrock invariably have higher collars ranging from 6 cm to 7 cm. Buttons were reduced in size from 25mm to 21mm. The rear skirt was given an actual vent on the M1895 Waffenrock, allowing the two rear skirt liner pockets to be accessed through a long vertical slit opening between the rear scallops. The color of the Waffenrock ranged from light to dark blue or green and the collar and cuffs came in a rainbow of colors as did the shoulder straps. The Waffenrock was to stay in this form until the eventual replacement by the M1907/10 Feldgrau Feldrock.

This M1895 has a lovely 2” (5cm) standing collar, which is an indication of this being an issued one and not a private purchase. The color is the correct Dunkelblau and has red Polish Cuffs. Other than Ulan, there were only five units in the Imperial German Army that utilized Polish cuffs on tunic with a vertical central. The five units in the Imperial German Army that utilized Polish cuffs on tunic with a vertical central opening were: Adjutants to Princes, Landwehr-Kavallerie, Württemberg Landjägerkorps, Prussian Leib Gendarmerie and Unteroffizier-Schulen.

The overall condition is nice but there are some factors that affect the condition. There is also minor separation in the collar as well moth damage located throughout. All buttons are present and there is some deterioration to the inner lining, as well as staining, an indication of this uniform being worn.

Paired with the Waffenrock is an early Pre War M1895 Prussian buckle on a 1912 dated leather belt in excellent, service used condition.

These are still lovely examples and not too many are left on the market! Comes ready to display!

Approx. Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10”
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 17.5”
Waist width: 15.5”
Hip width: 20”
Front length: 32.5″