The Uniforms of the Infantry of the German Imperial Army - 1871 – 1914. I. Part a). - Prussia - general information

The following article deals generally with the uniforms of the Prussian infantry - 1842 – 1914.

In the second part the distinctive features of the Guard and line grenadier regiments are presented.

In a third part the (Prussian) line infantry regiments (musketeer/fusilier regiments) are introduced.

In a fourth part the peculiarities of those units that were incorporated into the Prussian army (after 1866) or that, through particular uniform features, hearkened back to certain (non‑Prussian) traditions (e.g. IR 92 - Brunswick - or the Baden, Hessian and Mecklenburg units) are discussed.

In further articles the Saxon, Württemberg and Bavarian infantry will be presented, which in peacetime belonged to (relatively) autonomous contingents.

The conclusion comprises articles about the Jägers and riflemen and about the machine‑gun detachments formed from 1901.

On 23.10.1842 the Pickelhaube was introduced in Prussia as a modern headpiece together with the tunic; it replaced the far too heavy shako. At first the Pickelhaube was almost twice as tall as it later became; only over time did it develop into an eminently elegant headpiece. The Pickelhaube was gradually adopted by all the other German states and was also partly worn abroad, e.g. in Sweden and in Russia.

The headpiece was originally twice as high as it later became. The visor was angular, the long neck‑visor was curved.

The cross‑piece carrying the spike was (as later the plate) held in place on officers' helmets by stars.

The scale‑chains were held by rosettes in the color of the fittings, which were originally attached by long protruding screws.

As early as 1856, the screws holding the scale chains were screwed up to the rosette. The cockades had been reduced in size.

Here the fusilier already wears the slightly reduced-in-height 1860 helmet model with the eagle already fitted with the Vaterlandsbandeau. Photographer: C. Maeter/ Potsdam. Photo taken around 1860.

The metal fittings on officers' helmets were gilded, and the spikes were generally higher than those of the enlisted men's helmets.

From 1887 the ball ornamentation was replaced by a surrounding ridge. This simplification did not apply to officers' helmets.

As of January 8, 1891, a new method of fastening the scale chains became mandatory, replacing the hooks. The visor now also again had a stabilizing rail.

Regarding the above picture: On the helmet the Guard Infantry wore as ornament the flying eagle with sword and scepter made of tombac (or nickel silver). This had on its breast an eight‑point nickel‑silver star in the pattern of the Order of the Black Eagle (Guard star) and on the outspread wings a motto ribbon bearing the inscription "MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND" (Guard eagle). On officers' helmets—as here—the eagle was gilded (or silvered) and the centerpiece or the center of the (highly domed) guard star was finely enameled.

Since March 22, 1897, the imperial cockade was worn on the right side of the helmet; the state cockade was thereafter placed on the left.

For the black‑lacquered leather helmet with fittings, ornamentation and blackened chinstrap or scale chains, the Guard Infantry generally wore white plumes for parade, while many line regiments wore black plumes. In the Guard Fusilier Regiment (Berlin), however, the plume (and leather equipment) was also black.

Beim Garde-Füsilier-Regiment (Berlin) waren aber Haarbusch (und Lederzeug) auch schwarz.

Since 1884 white caps were worn during maneuvers. Since 1892 (17.05.) reed-green covers that covered the entire helmet were used. \n\nThese displayed the respective regimental number in red (28.01.1897).

Diese zeigten die jeweilige Regimentsnummer in roter Farbe (28.01.1897).

The total height of the field cap should be 8.3 cm. The trim band was 2.7 cm wide and consistently made of red cloth.

Before 1897 only the respective state cockade (on the cap trim band) was worn.

From 1897 the imperial cockade was worn at the front on the cap crown of the field cap.

The cap was made of dark-blue cloth with ponceau-red trim bands and matching piping around the rim of the crown.

The field cap with a visor was not standard issue; therefore on contemporary photographs of enlisted men in walking-out uniform it is regularly a privately owned item.

At the beginning of the 1840s the outward appearance of the Prussian soldier was reformed, and the tunic replaced the frock coat previously worn.

The new Prussian tunic was in the traditional Prussian blue, the shade of which became lighter from 1896.

The tunic finally had a low rounded collar; it was red. This color was also used for the Brandenburg cuff facings.

At the front and on the curved rear pocket flaps the tunic had red facings.

On the cuff patches of the Brandenburg sleeve facings there were three—mostly yellow—buttons.

The color of the patches of the sleeve facings, in combination with the color of the shoulder straps, allowed assignment to a particular army corps.

The shoulder straps of the tunic displayed the regiment number or the unit's name in red. On red shoulder straps the regiment number or the unit name was embroidered in yellow.

From 1867 the collar of the tunic became lower (4.75 cm) and softer.

The tunic had 8 smooth buttons at the front, and three smooth buttons each on the sleeve cuffs and the pocket flaps. The buttons that held the shoulder straps showed the company number.

The typically Prussian tunic was also worn by the other contingents of the Imperial Army.

From 1902 (10.04.) smaller buttons were prescribed for the tunic, coat and litewka.

The Guard Infantry wore white-linen braid on the tunic at the collar and on the Swedish sleeve cuffs or on the tabs of the Brandenburg sleeve cuffs.

1. Infantry tunic (1842–1914) Number missing on the sheet.

2. Rounded collar with front placket.

3. Eagle button for Feldwebel and Vizefeldwebel, i.e. sergeants.

4. Shoulder flap with regimental number and shoulder button.

5. Brandenburg-style sleeve cuff.

6. Row of buttons (8 buttons).

7. Front placket (see also collar and sleeve cuff).

8. Rear view of the tunic, namely the coat skirt.

9. Waist buttons.

10. Skirt pockets with placket and buttons.

11. Brandenburg-style sleeve cuff from the back.

12. Shoulder flap with shoulder button (with company number).

13. Shoulder flap with cord for one-year volunteers.

14. Collar with NCO braid and eagle button.

The enlisted men also had a Litewka.

It was made of coat-gray molton with 7 concealed horn buttons down the front. There were also sleeve cuffs that buttoned.

The Litewka had a turnover collar with tabs in the collar color of the tunic.

The shoulder flaps were the same as on the tunic.

At the back of the Litewka there was a drawstring and two waist hooks.

The training infantry battalion was founded by AKO on 30.12.1819. The aim was to promote uniformity and consistency in service and in the drill exercises of the infantry. The battalion remained together during the summer half-year. In the winter months it consisted only of a cadre. The unit was subordinated to the 1st Guard Regiment of Foot and was stationed in Potsdam.

The drill jacket had only a small stand-up collar and was closed with six zinc-headed buttons.

Although no insignia were worn on the jacket, the one-year volunteers wore a corresponding cord in the state colors on the shoulder.

Since 1807 long coats were part of the standard equipment of the ranks.

Initially mottled gray, over time they took on an almost black color.

Later they became gray again.

From 1867 (03/16) the coats had a flap collar and pockets.

For non-commissioned officers and enlisted men the coat was single-breasted. A tab in the color of the sleeve facings was worn on the collar.

From 1899 (05/01) all regiments/ battalions with braids also wore them on the tabs of the coats. The Guard wore a double braid.

On the collar tabs are the regiment's old Prussian braids awarded on June 15, 1901.

From 11 April 1903, enlisted men were also permitted to wear gloves with separate fingers made of greatcoat cloth or gray wool.

The equipment of the men included mittens made of greatcoat cloth. These were fastened together and worn over the bayonet.

As early as 1852, the gray of the cloth trousers became darker.

From 17 March 1870 the cloth trousers of the enlisted men were black.

Since 1871 they had a drawstring arrangement at the bottom to tighten them when they were to be tucked into the boots.

The trousers were always to be worn tucked into the boots for work, ordinary garrison, and field service (A.K.O. of 01.04.1869).

This also applied to parades between 01.10. – 01.04)

Since 1860 (23.02.) white trousers were only worn for inspections, parades and guard duty.

On the shoulder straps of the tunic the name inscription awarded to the regiment on 19.09.1913 is clearly visible. The regiment wore on the helmet eagle a special award ribbon: MESA DE IBOR LA BELLE ALLIANCE MEDELLIN. In parades (between 01.04. – 01.10.) the trousers should not be worn tucked into the boots.

Noteworthy are the different shades of the tunics. Incidentally, only since 1895 (12.12.) were pockets allowed on both sides of the trousers.

Blackened infantry boots were part of the equipment.

The common boots had shafts up to 31.5 cm high and the sole was nailed.

The waist belt was fastened with a brass buckle with a nickel-silver plate, crown and the inscription: GOTT MIT UNS.

Infantry baggage was reorganized in 1887.

From now on the leather also became black for the musketeers; previously this applied only to the fusiliers (III. battalions).

Since then, white leather equipment was only worn by the grenadiers of the foot guard regiments and the first two battalions of the guard and line grenadier regiments.

In the M 95 knapsack were cartridge pouches for one packet each, the laundry bag (containing a shirt, footcloths, handkerchief, pay book, hymnbook, spoon, underwear), the tent accessory bag, the grease tin, a clothes brush, a grease brush, shoes, a polishing brush, the rifle cleaning kit, and the field cap. Coat and tent fly were rolled and carried around the three sides of the knapsack.

On 22 February 1889 new coat straps were introduced, which had to be black from 11 April 1903.

The shako was adorned at the front with an oval black-and-white cockade. In front of the group the rear views of the M 1867 knapsack and the strapped-on cooking gear can be clearly seen.

In 1887 a new bread bag was introduced. It was now made of waterproof brown fabric.

From 1911 (07.04.) it should also be field gray.

Since 1867 (16.03.) canteens officially belonged to the soldier's basic equipment. They were made of glass and covered with black leather. They were initially held by a cord (made of hemp), later by a leather strap.

From 1882 (02.11.) the canteen also included a cup. The canteen was attached to the bread bag (from 1887).

From 1893 (22.05.) the canteen was made of aluminum and sat in a gray-brown felt cover. This had four snap fasteners. The canteen was held by a black strap running around it.

The aluminum cup was carried in the bread bag.

From 1907 the canteen had a screw-on metal cap with an insert made of cork.

The portable entrenching equipment for the infantry (from 1808) included a spade, pickaxe, axe (until 1867) and hatchet.

In 1887 a new pack was introduced. From then on the entrenching equipment was carried on the belt behind the bayonet pouch.

As of 26.06.1909 it was stipulated that the cover of the small infantry spade should henceforth have two carrying loops to attach the spade and the bayonet.

The non-commissioned officers and enlisted men trained in the use of flag signals received a special badge. A regulation of 27.01.1903 prescribed its appearance. It consisted of two diagonal flags embroidered onto a circular backing of the base cloth of the tunic, on lemon-yellow staffs. The left flag was red, the right flag was white.

Flags (and standards) have various meanings and functions in the military; they are field, identification, honor and sovereign symbols. They were not to be lost. The oath of allegiance by the soldiers was always sworn to the flag or standard – except in the artillery. Military honors were to be paid to the flag; they also always embodied the history of the respective unit. King Wilhelm bestowed new flags and standards on all newly established regiments; these bore the letters W. R. in the finial of the flag. Since the year 1807 each cavalry regiment carried only one standard. In the infantry each battalion had a flag. The standards were smaller than the flags and almost square. For the artillery and the engineers the flags did not have the same importance as for other branches of the service. The cavalry carried lance pennons independently of the field signs discussed here. Furthermore certain standards indicated the location of the Emperor (and the Empress) – e.g. at maneuvers –. The role of the flag bearer always meant a particular position of honor.

Until 1898 flag-bearers did not wear any special insignia. On 15.06.1898, a special cloth shield to be worn on the right upper arm was ordered.

At this time they also received ring collars.

From 1901 (14.03.) the flag was carried in a bandolier trimmed with galloon with a red-jute shoe. Between the galloon trim there were cloth strips in the collar color.

When the flag was uncovered, the oilcloth cover was worn en bandoulière at the right hip.

On the right upper arm of the tunic, flag- and standard-bearers wore a sleeve embroidery (two crossed flags with a name inscription and a crown).

The ring collar was to be worn for every duty with helmet (shako etc.).

The ornamentation of the ring collars differed between the Guard and the Line.

The corporal, who in the military hierarchy stood between the privates and the non-commissioned officers, wore a button on each side of the collar.

Since 1846 this button had been worn by the senior corporals; after the abolition of that rank the corporals then received this insignia.

The small decorative button of the corporal displayed in the Prussian army the heraldic eagle, in Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg, Hesse and Mecklenburg-Schwerin the corresponding state coat of arms, and in Mecklenburg-Strelitz a crown. The corporal's button was not worn on the overcoat.

The soldier is wearing the typical black-lacquered leather helmet with the heraldic eagle as ornamentation and a blackened chinstrap. The Gefreiter button is clearly visible on the side of the collar. Photographer: Hans Mehlert/ Neumünster

General insignia of non-commissioned officers were gold or silver lace on the collar and on the sleeve cuffs.

Furthermore, there were minor variations in sword tassels/sword knots, hair plumes, lance pennants, etc. 

For senior non-commissioned officers the rank of Sergeant was (re)introduced in 1843 (03.10.). Sergeants wore additional eagle buttons on the collar.

Noncommissioned officers were marked as such by a white‑and‑black braided trim on the collar tabs of the coat.

For sergeants the peaked cap had been standard issue since 1844. From 1873 (28.06.) all other noncommissioned officers were also permitted to wear peaked caps. The peaked cap had a leather sweatband inside and was lined, e.g. with glossy calico (Glanzkattun = cotton with a shiny surface).

Noncommissioned officers wore white leather finger gloves, and until 1867 also cloth gloves.

From 1903 NCOs were allowed to wear finger gloves knitted from white wool instead of leather.

From 1913 (06.07.) NCOs were to wear gray gloves during the cold season.

The officers' uniforms were basically the same as those of the enlisted men, but were made from better materials and often differed in terms of color tones.

Since 1896, the dark blue of the tunic was even officially allowed to be somewhat lighter than that of the enlisted men's coat.

Officers had to procure their uniforms themselves. The lowest button of the sleeve flaps was always left unfastened. With the dress regulation for officers of 28.05.1896 this custom was abolished.

The officers' dark-blue tunic had a rounded collar; otherwise the badge colors corresponded to those of the enlisted men.

The buttons were convex.

The back part of the tunic was always divided by a longitudinal center seam, and thus did not, as with the enlisted men, consist of a single piece (see the following photo).

In certain Guard formations and grenadier regiments, the officers' uniforms featured braids or special collar embroideries.

The officer is shown here in the field-gray (!) coat with applied peacetime embroidery and a regulation helmet, i.e., without scale chains for field use.

The (genuine gold) embroidery for officers of the aforementioned unit cost a gross 51 Reichsmarks.

The distinctive collar embroidery and the loop trim of the officers of this unit are clearly visible.

In addition to the field sash or sash and the silver portepee (on the sidearm), the distinctive insignia of officers were the shoulder boards and the epaulettes. 

The epaulette panels of lieutenants showed only the regiment number or the name of the respective regiment.

Since February 27, 1830 the premier lieutenant (Oberleutnant) had one star; majors and colonels had two.

The epaulettes had simple metal (silver or gold, depending on button color) half-moons; in addition, staff officers had silver fringes and the generals long silver (stiff) bullion braids.

The epaulette panels generally showed the color of the backing of the shoulder boards. Hussar officers did not have epaulettes. 

Moreover, there were a number of peculiarities regarding shoulder boards and epaulettes.

The officers' shoulder button never showed — in contrast to the enlisted uniform — the number of the respective company.

The name tapes or numbers on the epaulettes and shoulder straps existed in various sizes; this also applied to the regimental numbers.

Initially the epaulettes were to be abolished entirely; after all, they were retained for gala, parade, and society dress (A.K.O dated 12.07.1888).

From 1888 (12.07.) epaulettes were no longer allowed to be worn with the overcoat. For this garment only the shoulder straps were now worn.

In 1866 (07.06.) the field shoulder straps were introduced. They consisted (for lieutenants and captains) of tresse braid; for staff officers of kantschnur cord.

The shoulder straps on the shoulders of the tunic replaced the epaulettes, which were only worn for parades and for society dress.

The shoulder straps allowed the officer's rank to be identified and were made of silver braid.

For staff officers they were braided from silver thread interwoven with colored silk; those of captains/rittmeisters and subaltern officers consisted of flat cords lying closely side by side and threaded with silk.

From 1888 the passants on the overcoat were also discontinued.

Originally officers wore the hat with the small and off-duty uniform. After the introduction of the helmet it was only worn with the dress suit. From 1848 it was no longer worn at all, only the cap remained.

The officers' cap resembled the model for the enlisted men, but it was often stiffened and had a visor. It could be made of Eskimo, duffel or cloth. Even before 1822 the cap was frequently blue.

The visor cap of infantry officers was always dark blue and had a red trimming band and an identical piping around the rim of the crown.

At the front of the cap's band the respective state cockade served as the nationality badge. Above the band the German or imperial cockade (black-white-red) was placed.

On 15.06.1895 the blue Litewka was introduced. It had a standing turnover collar and was fastened with concealed horn buttons.

The Litewka had no trimming, but had pockets on each side and on the left chest.

From 1903, double-breasted gray Litewkas made of cloth were introduced for the entire army.

On the Litewka M 1903 officers wore their sewn-on or tucked-under shoulder boards.

Since 1890 officers were allowed white-linen or drill summer coats, which were replaced from 1895 by the blue Litewka. On the summer coats the shoulder pieces were worn. The latter were to no longer be worn with the exercise uniform from 1911.

The summer coats corresponded in cut to the tunic. From 1895 the summer coat was only worn when detached to the gymnastics institute, otherwise it was replaced by the (blue) Litewka.

Officers also wore a coat, the so-called paletot. It was double-breasted with 6 buttons on each side. Sewn-in shoulder pieces were worn on the paletot.

The coat had two slanted pockets at the front. From 1893 (16.11.) paletot and coat had a light gray color. The buttons on the paletot now also had to be aligned straight.

From 1903 (20.12.) the shoulder pieces should also be worn on the paletot .

The paletot usually reached to about mid-calf.

The new sword (IOG 89) was no longer pushed through.   Fur collars and fur chest linings were — even on the paletot — only permitted for off-duty wear or for minor duty (regulation of 03.03.1848).  

Besides the paletot (and the litewka), the officers also had the well-known overcoat and a cloak.

From 1903 the color of the tunic was specified for the overcoats, so they were no longer black or black-blue.

The overcoat of the Prussian infantry was dark blue and had two rows - each 6 - flat buttons. Furthermore, the overcoat had straight pocket flaps with 2 buttons each. The long skirts were to reach to the middle of the kneecap.

The rounded collar was red.

The sleeve cuffs had red turnbacks and the chest flaps were lined in red.

The overcoat was longer than the paletot.

The rows of buttons were set obliquely until 1896. From 1888 (12.07.) no epaulettes were to be worn on the overcoat. Therefore the shoulder passants were also omitted.

Coat and cloak could be rolled and worn slung over the shoulder by officers (without knapsack).

From 1899 (15.05.) officers additionally carried a grey – sleeveless – cloak. It was also permitted to be worn over the paletot. Photographer: Oscar Tellgmann/ Eschwege. Photograph 1908.

The cloak had a collar like the old coat. Pockets were permitted on the inside. A hood could be buttoned to the collar.

Mounted officers never wore the white, but the (dark) cloth trousers.

Officers also had white linen trousers. They matched the enlisted men's trousers. The cut was always tight; only from 1895/96 was a looser form permitted or prescribed.

Officers were allowed to wear drill trousers only for physical training; these were then also fastened with straps.

Since 1871 (23.11.) officers also had the black trousers (of the enlisted men) made of cloth. The trousers are worn here over the shoes, the tabs are partially clearly visible. Photographer: B. Berger/ Hannover.

The above photograph dates after 1896, as the buttons of the overcoats are no longer attached obliquely-

Officers also had white linen trousers (trimmed in the photo above). They resembled the enlisted men's trousers. The cut was always tight; only from 1895/96 was a looser form permitted or prescribed.

Officers were required to wear gloves on duty or off duty whenever a weapon was part of the dress. However, white wool gloves were not permitted with parade dress at inspections, for church and similar occasions. Gray gloves were only allowed in the field. Glacé gloves were permitted at balls.

According to the clothing regulation of 28 May 1896, the white gloves were made of chamois leather or of wool or cotton fabric. They were fastened with one to two buttons and buttonholes.

Non-commissioned officers had white leather finger gloves, and until 1867 also gloves made of cloth.

The sash was the officers' insignia for parade dress. It had been worn since the 17th century.

In the Old Army it consisted of a silver band, interwoven with the state colors, and ended in two tassels with fringes.

Initially sashes were no longer worn on maneuvers; from 26 October 1896 a new — more practical — band for field use was introduced. This then remained the officers' principal service insignia until World War I.

The field sash consisted of the aforementioned sash band and had a round (silver or gold) buckle.

The field-sash buckle bore — depending on the contingent — different ornamentation, mostly monograms or, in Bavaria, the Bavarian royal crown. It was silver or gold depending on the corresponding button color. Medical officers did not wear a field sash or sash.

In the Prussian army the adjutants were divided into the adjutants of the Emperor and King and the adjutants of the units.

The latter wore the uniform of the respective unit, but did not wear the sash around the waist; they wore it over the right shoulder.

In the year 1848 (01.05.) the wider adjutant sash was introduced.

The adjutants' sash was worn en bandouliere to the left hip.

During the 1864 campaign, officers often wore soft boots reaching up to the thighs.

These were also worn by dismounted officers.

From June 7, 1888, mounted officers were required to wear knee boots. Dismounted officers could follow the footwear of the enlisted men.

As early as 1809, smaller black leather knapsacks were ordered for the dismounted officers. Since August 23, 1888, the company commander no longer had to carry it.

On the officers' knapsack the coat or cloak was not buttoned on, but later, as with the enlisted men, was laid around three sides of the knapsack

The binocular case was worn on the right. Before 1896 this manner of wearing was not prescribed or was left optional.

In the infantry, in addition to the regular military musicians, there were also field musicians equipped with drums, fifes and horns.

They were to give signals or to accompany training and marching with music.

They were drawn from the regiment or the battalion, were not considered military musicians, although they – for example during parades – did cooperate with the music corps.

Each regiment (or independent battalion) of the Old Army had a music corps.

Among the mounted troops (not the Train) it was called a trumpeter corps.

The music corps were led by staff oboists or staff trumpeters. They were comparable in the military hierarchy to sergeants or Wachtmeisters.

Members of the music corps were called oboists, and trumpeters in the mounted troops.

They were composed of volunteers with musical ambitions who enlisted in the military for a fixed number of years.

In addition to their service in the music corps, they received only limited training (shooting service, riding service).

The large drumstick was made of brown wood, had a large bulbous head and featured a brass tip. The drumstick was also wrapped with a yellow tasseled cord.

The cord was also made of gold or silver.

Even earlier the originally much higher drum hung on a wide bandolier, at first tied on, then – from 1834 – hooked.

With the new flat drum the white-leather knee covering visible here became customary, although earlier brown or white (for parade) knee coverings had already been used to protect the tunic or the trousers.

In addition to the signal horn the horn players also carried a whistle in a case.

The whistle was worn on the left in front of the bayonet.

Already in 1854 (03.08.) the drum became flatter. It was now fastened to the belt by a scissor-shaped fitting in the form of an eagle.

Musicians were marked by so-called "Schwalbennester". These displayed eight longitudinal and one transverse bands of white braid.

Schwalbennester had developed from the bulging reinforcements of the sleeve openings of the uniform coat in the 17th century.

The ground cloth of the Schwalbennester was the same color as the collar. The trim was basically white, but regiments with yellow lace had yellow braid trim.

He was the son of the Württemberg Major General and battle painter Christian Wilhelm von Faber du Faur (1780–1857) and his wife Magarethe, née von Hierlinger (1788–1846). Otto von Faber du Faur was also a Württemberg officer and painter.

Already in 1854 (03.08.) the drum became flatter. It was now fastened to the belt by a scissor-shaped eagle fitting.

The drums had a brass shell with a height of 13 cm and a diameter of 36 cm. Wooden drum hoops were fitted at top and bottom, painted white on the inside and decorated on the outside with 25 white and colored triangles (in Prussia white-red).

Tension screws were arranged around the shell. 

On the guard formations the swallow nests had fringes. The helmet covers of the Guard Infantry bore no insignia.

For oboists or auxiliary musicians, the trim of the swallow nests consisted of NCO braid.

On 27 January 1902, uniform regulations were issued for the design of the Schellenbaum, which traces back to Turkish models.

Clearly visible is the bandolier for carrying the Schellenbaum. Photographer: W. Höfert Nachfahren/ Hanover. Photograph around 1910.

In the cavalry and the (mounted) field artillery, horses were assigned to the lieutenants/first lieutenants that over time passed into their ownership.

The officers of the mobile batteries of the field artillery received service horses. The cavalry assigned special officers' horses to the train.

The remaining - entitled to rations - officers had to procure their horses themselves, but received horse money. Senior officers also had to procure their horses themselves, but received no allowances.

As far as officers of the foot troops were mounted, they wore high boots and always carried the saber when mounted.

In the infantry in Prussia, however, only staff officers, adjutants and captains (from 1888) were officially considered mounted. Only these also carried a parade over-blanket; the others used a service blanket as an underlay (different, for example, in the infantry in Saxony, also different with the cavalry).

The parade over-blankets were often adorned with special emblems, especially in the guard formations.

Since 1875 there had been a standardized riding tack with brown leather parts for officers in the Prussian army. Officers could be detached for riding instruction at officer riding schools (Hanover).

Already before 1913 there were at battalion level in all branches a number of bicycles for a few cyclists; only from 1913 did independent cyclist companies come into being.

Bicycles were already used in the Old Army before 1914 in many ways, such as for transmitting orders and reports, for use in relay service, to provide a link to the infantry vanguard with the advance guard, as a substitute for cavalry when the infantry marched alone, for use by individual elements of the outposts and as quartermakers. There were so-called war bicycles and training bikes. But because the cyclists were dependent on solid roads and paths, they could not – completely – replace dispatch riders.

Early on attention was paid to clothing and equipment adapted to practical use for the cyclist, i.e. common items were a peaked cap with chinstrap and cover, litewka with sewn-in neckband, jersey jacket, boot trousers with leather gaiters, laced shoes, cloak of waterproof grey greatcoat cloth with hood, canteen, bread bag, waistbelt with message pouch. Knapsack and coat were carried by the baggage.

Since 14.02.1892 there was also a portable tent outfit that was strapped over the greatcoat. It consisted of a shelter quarter (Zeltbahn) and pegs in a tent accessory bag. From this tent outfit protective shelters, e.g. for two men, or even troop tents could be assembled.

Large round tents were used in large troop exercises and were transported with the baggage.

Because the needle gun still had a relatively short range and was fairly heavy, the M71 rifle was introduced in 1872 (22.03.). It had been designed by the Mauser brothers.

The M 71/84 rifle was designated as the uniform model for the foot troops. With the M 71 rifle metallic cartridges became common. It was 1.35 m long and the caliber smaller (11 mm).

The Jägers (riflemen) and the pioneers later received the somewhat shorter carbine M 71. It had only one ring. Photo without place or date, around 1860.

By decree of November 9, 1888 the M 88 rifle was introduced. It allowed the simultaneous loading of five cartridges (in a frame). For this it was equipped with a box.

The M 88 rifle was superseded by the M 98 model, which was a little longer. The cartridges were now held in a metal strip. Photo taken 1908.

Since 1896 the leather case was worn to the left of the buckle of the field belt.

The revolver was finally replaced by the Pistol 08.

Since 1850 small cartridge pouches became common, which were worn at the front on white (as here) or black loops on the belt, left and right beside the belt buckle.

They each held 20 cartridges. If the knapsack was unladen, usually only one cartridge pouch was worn.

The 1874 model accommodated the cartridges individually in leather sleeves and no longer in packets. It opened to the front.

In 1808 officers retained the sword. The sword in the old Prussian style had a leather scabbard with brass fittings. The guard of the weapon was gilded and the grip was wrapped with silver wire. The blade was hexagonal.

At the hilt of the sword (or saber) a silver portepee interwoven with black silk was worn on a corresponding strap.

Since the early 1820s the tassels of the portepee were closed.

Since the introduction of the tunic, the sword was inserted through a slit on the left in the skirt (A.K.O. of May 4, 1843).

From 1888 (22.03.) a uniform sword model was introduced for all officers of the foot troops. It featured an eagle worked into the guard and on the grip the intertwined royal monogram.

On 15.06.1905 it was ordered that from then on all steel scabbards were to be blackened or darkened. From 1910 (14.12.) the lower ring of the sword scabbard was omitted. The reason for this was the abolition of the carrying strap.

See the separate article on machine-gun companies and machine-gun detachments.