Hessen Feld Artillery 61 Officer Uberzug

[b.loree]

I have owned this piece since the 1980's and have posted photos here several times. Unfortunately, no one has been able to identify/explain its unique characteristics. Hopefully, one of our newer members has seen something like this before. This is a red number pre war officer private purchase reversible uberzug. So let's take a look:

The piece is in excellent condition except for mothing on the numerals. Please note the thread loop sewn in above the numbers.

The reverse side and again a thread loop.

The interior showing the correct DRP stamp and red manoeuvre band for wargaming. The Kaiser dictated that the "enemy" forces had to wear this red band. Finally we see the white cloth strips with stitched hooks which make this uberzug unique. What was their purpose?? Perhaps to signify an officer referee, a special commander of some kind? Obviously we see the purpose of the thread loops shown in the first 2 photos. The cloth strips could be hooked on no matter what configuration...either red stripe or the plain side.

Brass hooks stitched to the cloth tapes and again thread loops. Obviously, a considerable amount of thought and effort went into this unique uberzug design. I invite member comments, has anyone seen one of these before??

 

[CLOVIS 57]

Hello,
I've never seen this canvas “chin strap” before. However, it is a peacetime “Offizier-Manöverkappe.” M1884 ( It was, however, commonly used by officers as a “Feld-Überzug” during mobilization. The Überzug wouldn't arrive until 1892.

As for the two fasteners, I think I know:
The Manöver-Kappe for the troops had double hooks shaped like a ship's anchor, or swivel hooks so they could be attached on either side.

---Rotating hook.


---Double hook.

On the other hand, the MK 84 for officers did not have a hook, so as not to damage the finely crafted helmet purchased privately. It had a 2-centimeter crescent-shaped sleeve for the visor and another for the neck guard, with an elastic band between them on each side.

Here, however, the sleeves only allow the “friendly” side—made of plain beige canvas—to face outward.
So, to wear it with the “enemy” side—the red stripe—facing outward, these two “straps” made up for that shortcoming.

 

[JohnS3rd]

Maybe a local modification that someone thought was useful to insure the cover stayed in place. Just some thoughts from the cheap seats.
Best regards
John

 

[b.loree]

Perhaps....but the construction....loops etc were certainly professionally done. Thread colour matches.
I decided to post some additional photos with the cover in place on my FAR 61 helmet.

The piece is totally officer except for the lion's crown not being pierced.

Hessen officer kokarde.

The uberzug is tight fitting as was intended. I secured it over the front visor but left the back loose. I do not want to cause any damage.

Looking at this I feel that the tapes were intended for the wargaming reverse. I don't see the Germans leaving these open stitch lines visible but why have the thread loops on this side??

Rear view, showing the thread loop and hook in use. The side elastic is like new....but I am not going to risk any tears to this. Anyway, I am going to be selling this uberzug if anyone is interested. I will be at the MAX Show with James and Alan Sept 17-19.

 

[CLOVIS 57]

Thank you for this illustration, which illustrates what I argued above.
However, the silver Landkokarde is for an “Unteroffizier Portepee.”
The officer's version is ribboned.

 

[b.loree]

Well, that explains the configuration of the helmet and why the lion crown on the wappen is not pierced.