The Uniforms of the Infantry of the German Imperial Army - 1871–1914. Part VII - Mecklenburg, Oldenburg and Saxon (Thuringian) Principalities

The first part of this series generally deals with the uniforms of the Prussian infantry - 1842–1914.

The second part addresses the distinctive features of the uniforms of the Guard and line grenadier regiments (No. 1–12).

The third part is devoted to the Prussian line infantry regiments (musketeer/fusilier regiments).

In further parts the particularities of those units are treated which were incorporated into the Prussian army (after 1866) or which, through special uniform features, connected to certain (non‑Prussian) traditions (as here Mecklenburg, Oldenburg and Saxon principalities).

In additional contributions the Saxon, Württemberg and Bavarian infantry are presented, which in peacetime belonged to relatively autonomous contingents.

The series concludes with articles on the Jägers and sharpshooters and on the machine‑gun detachments formed from 1901.

Notes on the above photo.

The regiment belonged to the non‑Prussian contingents within the Prussian army. Battalions I and III were provided by Mecklenburg‑Schwerin, Battalion II by Mecklenburg‑Strelitz.

Two completely different uniforms were worn within the unit.

The helmet had yellow fittings and corresponding scale chains. The helmet ornament consisted of a sun made of tombac with the state coat of arms in nickel silver.

Black horsehair plumes were worn on parade.

Notes on the above photo.

The unit's distinctive (silver) collar embroidery is clearly visible.

The genuine silver embroidery worn by the officers of the 1st and 3rd battalions cost a gross 37.50 marks.

Notes on the above photo.

The spike was — as can be clearly seen here — six‑fold fluted. The colors of the Mecklenburg cockade were blue‑yellow‑red.

The Mecklenburg regimental and battalion drummers wore a special bandolier on parades.

The drum rims were painted on the outside in the state colors (= red and blue triangles). The drum shells displayed Mecklenburg coats of arms. This was also found on the signal horns.

The oboists and deputy oboists had thin silver fringes of 4–4.5 cm length on the swallow's nests, the musicians such in white linen.

Non‑commissioned officers wore patterned (silver) lace.

Notes on the above photo.

The belt buckle is clearly visible. It was made of brass and bore a nickel‑silver star with the state coat of arms.

The regiment was not distinguished for parades by galloons, fringes on the swallow's nests or horsehair plumes.

From 1870 a nickel‑silver star with the Oldenburg coat of arms was worn on the helmet eagle.

The sash had a red longitudinal stripe and thus displayed the imperial colors.

The buckle of the field sash introduced later (1996) showed the imperial cypher, so not that of the prince.

A black horsehair plume was worn on the helmet as the parade piece.

The regiment (IR 91) bore the state cockade of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg (blue‑ponceau red‑blue).

Here the distinctive (red) name cipher (with crown) on the shoulder straps is clearly visible. The name cipher was borne from 1867 and consisted of sewn‑on, die‑cut cloth.

On the helmet eagle there was a nickel‑silver star with the Grand Ducal Saxon coat of arms and a ribbon with the motto: WITH GOD FOR PRINCE AND FATHERLAND.

The cockade on the helmet and on the cap's peak band showed the colors: green‑yellow‑black.

The regiment in question was garrisoned in Gotha (staff, I Battalion), Hildburghausen (II Battalion) and Coburg (III Battalion).

The motto WITH GOD FOR PRINCE AND FATHERLAND was borne on the helmet eagle and a nickel‑silver star with the Ducal Saxon coat of arms was applied.

The 2nd Battalion wore on the helmet or cap the state cockade of the Principalities of Reuss elder and younger line.

The troops of the principalities of the elder and younger line had, by convention of 26.06.1867, become part of the Prussian army. A nickel‑silver star with the Reuss coat of arms was placed on the helmet eagle.

The 3rd Battalion stationed in Rudolstadt wore — in addition to the imperial cockade — the state cockade of the Principality of Schwarzburg‑Rudolstadt.

The helmet eagle displayed on a nickel‑silver star the Schwarzburg‑Rudolstadt coat of arms.

By convention of 26.06.1867 the troop elements of the Principality of Schwarzburg‑Rudolstadt became part of the Prussian army.

Notes on the above photo.

The unit was stationed in Gera (staff, 1st and 2nd battalion as well as machine‑gun company) and in Rudolstadt (3rd battalion) and belonged to the XI Army Corps. The photographed soldiers partly wear drill uniforms and Litewkas. Photographer: C. Eisenhardt/ Naumburg S. Photograph 1907.

The I and II battalions of the 8th Thuringian Infantry Regiment No. 153 (Altenburg/ Merseburg) wore the Ducal Saxon cockade on the helmet.

On the helmet eagle there was a nickel‑silver star with the Ducal Saxon coat of arms. The motto band showed the inscription: GOD FOR PRINCE AND FATHERLAND.

The staff and the II and III battalions as well as the machine‑gun company were stationed in Erfurt, the I Battalion in Sondershausen.

Notes on the above photo.

This rifle was adopted in 1888 as the ordnance weapon of the German army. The designation derives from the year. For the Gewehr 71/84 the soldier still carried 30 cartridges in each of the two front cartridge pockets and 60 cartridges in the rear one. Thus a total of 120 cartridges were available.

With the smaller cartridges of the new model there were more, namely a total of 170.

The 1st Battalion wore the state cockade of the Principality of Schwarzburg‑Sondershausen.

The heraldic eagle was borne on the helmet; only the III Battalion, only that III Battalion bore on the helmet emblem the motto: With God for Prince and Fatherland and in addition the applied silver star with the coat of arms of Schwarzburg.

The shoulder flap (pcrt.) showed the number 71 in yellow.