Pickelhaube Cover/Uberzug Regiment Numerals

M

Morden279

New member
Dear All,

I'm a British WW1 re-enactor and am in the process of creating a 'trophy' pickelhaube appropriate to my gear (Royal Fusilier circa 1914). I already have a replica pickelhaube but need to complete it with an uberzug with appropriate regimental numbers for that 'recently captured' feel.

I've done a bit of research and decided on the 13th Infantry Regiment (VI Army, VII corps - Von Claer - 25th Brigade), which was were thrown against the defences of the 9th Brigade (inc. 4th Royal Fusiliers) at First Ypres.

To my knowledge, this unit wasn't Landwehr and isn't listed in my Osprey book as being a Reserve unit. In short, I have the following questions to ensure I get the numerals for my uberzug correct:

1: What are the approximate dimensions for the numerals, and is there a stencil available to print out that's in anyone's possession?

2: Would the 13th IR have been able to make the change to green from the old red numerals as per the August 1914 directive?

3: What shade of green (or red!) is appropriate? B&W photos are a killer!

4: Would the stitching on the numerals need to be of the 'V' or zig-zag/chevron type? I swear I've seen it used on original (or fake original) uberzug for sale before.

Many thanks in advance for all your help, it'd be really appreciated!

Regards,

George
 
Hi George:

Welcome to the forum. Infanterie-Regiment Herwarth v. Bittenfeld (1. Westfälisches) Nr. 13 was indeed a regiment of the line. Therefore, you would be fine with the arabic numerals. As for red v. green, I would vote for red.

Great War Militaria in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania produce reproduction covers and numbers:

http://www.greatwar.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1513047

For information regarding the zig-zag stitch, you should plough your way through this:

http://www.pickelhaubes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4294

If you would like to fashion your own numbers, I will measure a "1" and "3" for you.

I hope this helps,

Chas
 
Lost Skeleton,

Thank you so much, that's an enormous help! :D

Am I to take it from authentic German moniker that they were a Westphalian regiment? The replica Pickelhaube I have features the ubiquitous Prussian eagle, which I think would be appropriate, as a look on the Kaiser's Bunker and Google hasn't thrown up an alternative wappen/front plate.

I've already ordered a tan uberzug from the States (as that was the colour used earlier on in the war before feld grau became standard?), but those red numbers look perfect - I'll get GWM as soon as possible! In short, I shouldn't have to take up your (very kind) offer of measuring.

Thanks again mate, it's really appreciated. If everything goes well (I intend to do the stitching myself - excellent thread you did) I'll post pics of the finished article!

George
 
George, the ubiquitous Prussian eagle is exactly what you need for IR 13. As for the cover, the construction is probably more important than the color, i.e., "single" piece construction (like my IR 15 and FR 73 covers) for 1st Ypres impression. Let it fade a bit, and dirty it up for the sake of realism.

In addition to your finished trophy, I would be very interested in seeing your complete re-enactor kit.

Bitte sehr,

Chas
 
I'd recommend Joe's article http://www.pickelhauben.net/articles/Uberzug.html as a good read, also with colour pictures of the red and green numerals...

Cheers
Chris
 
Lost Skeleton said:
George, the ubiquitous Prussian eagle is exactly what you need for IR 13. As for the cover, the construction is probably more important than the color, i.e., "single" piece construction (like my IR 15 and FR 73 covers) for 1st Ypres impression. Let it fade a bit, and dirty it up for the sake of realism.

In addition to your finished trophy, I would be very interested in seeing your complete re-enactor kit.

Bitte sehr,

Chas
Click to expand...

Thanks again Chas, I've rechecked your thread for the IR 15 cover and the one I ordered looks comparable (I confess my purchase was partly influenced by cost - this was one of the cheapest uberzug I could find!):

http://www.militarytour.com/reproductions/WW1/German/PickCov.htm

No worries, I'll dig out a picture of me at War and Peace in Kent a couple of years back... I'm also a newly qualified teacher - the rig (including the uncovered pickelhaube) went down a storm with the kids during a museum day we did last month as part of our training course. Seems everyone thinks a helmet with a spike on it is 'well cool'. 8-)

040711002.jpg


chrispaulodale said:
I'd recommend Joe's article http://www.pickelhauben.net/articles/Uberzug.html as a good read, also with colour pictures of the red and green numerals...

Cheers
Chris
Click to expand...

Thanks Chris, I particularly enjoyed the section on covering numbers for intel purposes. Ones hopes they didn't retain the white sheets of paper in combat!

Thanks again, fellas!

George
 
George
Having collected WW1 Brit kit for 30+ years and seen many attempts at Living History representations, I have to say yours is really excellent and you have obviously taken great pains with it. But - those puttees! They are a seriously bad let-down. The tapes want to be tan or orange in colour [more or less correct], and the puttees a similar colour to the rest of the uniform.

If you need more information I'll photograph some originals and post on here.

Cheers,

S.
 
Scratch said:
George
But - those puttees! They are a seriously bad let-down. The tapes want to be tan or orange in colour [more or less correct], and the puttees a similar colour to the rest of the uniform.

If you need more information I'll photograph some originals and post on here.

Cheers,

S.
Click to expand...

Shocking! On reflection, you're completely right; the plates in my Osprey books concur with what you're saying. The puttees in the picture I bought from Lawrance Ordnance in Australia along with the P.1908 webbing, so they may well be of ANZAC design. I bought my P1902s from WPG is the US, these puttees look more drab than the (rather stark) ones I'm currently wearing:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/shopexd.asp?id=1523&bc=no

Conversely, I'd really like to see your own getup, and a few retailer links if possible. :)

Many thanks for the advice!

George
 
The puttees are a bit bright, but what I see is that the upper lip is a bit naked:) You need to work on a cookie duster, and you will be spot on.
Best
Gus
 
Lost Skeleton said:
Hi George:

You're every inch the Tommy Atkins! :D
Click to expand...

Cheers! :P

Some bad news however - GWM have stopped selling the uberzug regimental numbers! Consequently, I'm going to make my own out of red pressed felt unless you can suggest a more appropriate material?

May I also take you up on your offer of measuring a 1 and a 3 for me please? :)

Gustaf said:
The puttees are a bit bright, but what I see is that the upper lip is a bit naked:) You need to work on a cookie duster, and you will be spot on.
Best
Gus
Click to expand...

I started to grow a moustache especially for the event, but my girlfriend (at the time) didn't take kindly to the idea. Consequently, adherence to King's Regulations was sidelined for 'the greater good'. #-o
 
Morden279 said:
May I also take you up on your offer of measuring a 1 and a 3 for me please? :)
Click to expand...
George, check your message box. Help is on the way. Meanwhile, take a look at picture number two from this link (courtesy of "drakegoodman"):

http://www.howtobearetronaut.com/2011/07/wwi-studio-portraits-of-german-soldiers/

Chas
 
As promised, here is the finished article:

ub001.jpg


ub002.jpg


ub003.jpg


Quite pleased with the stitching, though it's far from perfect.

Many thanks to everyone on the forum who helped me out! :thumb up:
 
drakegoodman said:
Yes, an excellent job. Well done =D> One question, where the hell did you get your Buntfarbenaufdruck couch?
Click to expand...

That, my friend, is probably the most comfortable sofa bed known to man. Sadly, it's not mine - it came with the flat. :D

PS: Special thanks go out to you, Chas; I may be able to head to the War and Peace show this time next year with the pickelhaube strapped to my pack. I'll revisit the forum and post pics then.

Thanks again! :thumb up:

George
 
George

Apologies for the delay in responding. I don't have a getup per se as I don't do Living History, but I have been collecting this kit for quite a long time. Here are some typical puttees, which as you can see vary considerably in colour - always the case with Service Dress:
642ej4.jpg

Oner of them actually has the manufacturer's code, the only time I've seen this in 30+ years:
zstt85.jpg

I'm not sure what the other marking is - an inspector's stamp? Don't think it is the date.

The WPG puttees look pretty much spot on. Congratulations also on a really excellent job on the helmet cover.

Best wishes,

S.
 
congratulations, the final result is excellent ! I came too late to help, on this thread, anyway you can also give a look at this link where you have some colour pictures,

http://www.imperialhelmets.com/helmet-field-covers/

great spirit in your approach to reenactment

steve
 
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