Skip to content
Vestes Bellica Military history archive

Vestes Bellica

Uniforms and Equipment of the Old Army - Artillery - Field Artillery - Prussia - Officer's Uniform

Officers of the Prussian artillery in parade uniform wearing greatcoats. Before 1914.
Officers of the Prussian artillery in parade uniform wearing greatcoats. Before 1914.

The officers' tunic differed from that of the enlisted men – irrespective of quality – by black-velvet collars/collar patches and sleeve cuffs.

In the guard formations the Litzen were embroidered in gold.

Field artillery officers on manoeuvre. Original photocard before 1914. The two front officers are wearing white manoeuvre caps. In the group of officers on the left the cartridge pouch for pistol ammunition is clearly visible. Right: gun crews at a field gun. Original photocard before 1914.
Field artillery officers on manoeuvre. Original photocard before 1914. The two front officers are wearing white manoeuvre caps. In the group of officers on the left the cartridge pouch for pistol ammunition is clearly visible. Right: gun crews at a field gun. Original photocard before 1914.

The officer's helmet was that of the infantry, however with a finial and arched scale chains as well as oval rosettes.

Subaltern officer of the field artillery in parade uniform with sash and heavy officer's sabre. Original studio portrait in the form of a KAB. Photographer: Gustav Joop/ Graudenz. Around 1900.
Subaltern officer of the field artillery in parade uniform with sash and heavy officer's sabre. Original studio portrait in the form of a KAB. Photographer: Gustav Joop/ Graudenz. Around 1900.
Prussian officers and non-commissioned officer of the field artillery on manoeuvre. Original medium-sized photo (detail). Photographer: Franz Tellgmann/ Mühlhausen in Thuringia. 1911.
Prussian officers and non-commissioned officer of the field artillery on manoeuvre. Original medium-sized photo (detail). Photographer: Franz Tellgmann/ Mühlhausen in Thuringia. 1911.

The officers' uniform also included a sash and bandolier as well as the sabre hanger for the officers' uniform.

Officer from the Field Artillery Regiment Groß-Komtur (Graudenz) in parade uniform. Original KAB around 1910. Photographer: Gustav Joop/ Graudenz.

Subaltern officer of the field artillery in parade uniform with sash and heavy officer's sabre. Original studio portrait in the form of a KAB. Photographer: B. ERdmann/ Mainz. Around 1900. Clearly visible are the bandolier for the cartridge box and also the arched scale chains on the helmet.
Subaltern officer of the field artillery in parade uniform with sash and heavy officer's sabre. Original studio portrait in the form of a KAB. Photographer: B. ERdmann/ Mainz. Around 1900. Clearly visible are the bandolier for the cartridge box and also the arched scale chains on the helmet.
Observing officers of the field artillery on manoeuvre. Original photocard before 1914.
Observing officers of the field artillery on manoeuvre. Original photocard before 1914.
Adjutant of the Prussian field artillery on horseback. Photographer: F. Schneider/ Wahn/ Rhineland/ firing range. Original KAB before 1914.
Adjutant of the Prussian field artillery on horseback. Photographer: F. Schneider/ Wahn/ Rhineland/ firing range. Original KAB before 1914.
Officer and adjutant of the Prussian field artillery (probably from FAR 23) with the special sash for adjutants. Original CDV. Photographer: Heinrich Thomas & Otto Kilger/ Coblenz. Around 1900.
Officer and adjutant of the Prussian field artillery (probably from FAR 23) with the special sash for adjutants. Original CDV. Photographer: Heinrich Thomas & Otto Kilger/ Coblenz. Around 1900.
Prussian officer (lieutenant, later in civilian life a prominent merchant) of the field artillery in parade uniform with greatcoat with his bride/wife. Before 1914.
Prussian officer (lieutenant, later in civilian life a prominent merchant) of the field artillery in parade uniform with greatcoat with his bride/wife. Before 1914.
Artillery officer (probably foot artillery) in the Litewka with a lion-head sabre. Original photocard c. 1914/15.
Artillery officer (probably foot artillery) in the Litewka with a lion-head sabre. Original photocard c. 1914/15.

Recommended Articles

Uniformierung & Ausrüstung

From the Colorful to the Field-Gray Coat

Prussia dominated the Imperial Army not only in organizational and weapons-technical matters but also in clothing. After the founding of the Empire in 1871 and the incorporation or accession of the non‑Prussian military contingents, a process of harmonization began that also manifested itself visually — in the uniforms1. In the Imperial Constitution of 1871 Article 63 stated: “With regard to clothing, the basic colors and the cut of the Royal Prussian Army shall be authoritative. It is left to the commander of the respective contingent to determine the external badges (cockades etc.).”