Original Imperial German WWI Named Veterinary NCO Private Purchase M1915 Feldbluse Uniform with Merit Cross for War Aid Ribbon – Dated August 1917

Original Item. Only One Available. A.K.O 21 September 1915 announced the release of a completely new pattern of tunic called the M1915. Bayern (Bavaria) did not adopt the Bluse until 31 March 1916, so a Bayern Bluse is known as a M1916 Bluse. The Bluse was to be used by all units, including cavalry. The tunic was made with a looser cut than earlier uniforms, which allowed heavier undergarments to be worn. This cut also resulted in a greater degree of mobility and comfort for the wearer. The Bluse was completely void of piping and utilized the simplified rear skirt design and barrel cuffs of the Vereinfachte tunics. This is a very good named example of a privately-purchased M1915 Feldbluse in its original configuration for a Veterinary NCO in the Imperial German Army. The Feldbluse bears Prussian pocket, shoulder board, & rear buttons, but the front closure has six celluloid buttons. The collar of the Feldbluse has some heavy mothing as shown, but it appears rather centralized on the collar and there isn’t much mothing elsewhere. The collar bears two collar tabs with dark blue interior and red piping. They are in great shape but there is moth tracking around them. The shoulder boards are sewn-in and have gilt tape around without interruption and a burgundy type underlay color, denoting a Veterinarian NCO. They both have Prussian buttons. There is a ribbon attached to the left breast for the Merit Cross for War Aid. The Merit Cross for War Aid (German: Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe) was a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. Instituted 5 December 1916, the cross was awarded for patriotic war aid service, without regard to status or rank. As this is a private purchase example, there are no maker or size markings to the interior. The interior shows great stitchwork with a waist pocket and breast pocket on the left side. The interior of the left breast pocket has a nametag inscribed: U’Offz Huber6 August 17 This denotes issue or rather purchase by an Unteroffizier Huber on August 6th, 1917. A fantastic identification that is worthy of further research! The uniform is in good condition despite the heavy mothing of the collar, especially considering its age and just how rare WWI Imperial German Feldgrau uniforms are. Overall, a very attractive named tunic that displays very nicely despite these slight drawbacks. Imperial German Feldgrau uniforms are incredibly hard to find on the market today, both officer and enlisted. Aside from the attrition of clothing worn in the trenches, much was burned as a result of the Spanish Influenza Pandemic and lice infestations. What survived was either worn out by veterans who repurposed their old uniforms as everyday clothing following the bleak years during the massive depression that raged throughout Germany, or, was simply repurposed or converted for use with the Reichswehr. An excellent addition to any First World War German Uniform collection! Approximate MeasurementsCollar to shoulder: 9.5″Shoulder to sleeve: 24″Shoulder to shoulder: 14″Chest width: 16″Waist: 17″Hip: 20″Front length: 29″