Soldier Shirt?

[Pionier]

Few weeks ago I bought the Neck cloth (Halsbinde) and Scarf both with the label with the owner name "Lorenz".

There were also two shirts found together with these Neck cloth and Scarf but I really do not know if these shirts were soldier shirts used in the war or whether civilian.

Could anybody tell me or show how look the German WWI shirt?

Both shirts are hand signed with the same owner name - Lorenz.

Shirt I

Shirt II

It is possible that the civilian shirts were worn in the war??

 

[Gustaf]

These both look like civilian shirts, they have too much extra detail to be issue, but it is very likely that such shirts were worn under the Waffenrock, but it would have been a fairly wealthy soldier to afford such a shirt. We do know from writings that other undergarments were sent to the front, to give comfort to the soldiers.
Best
Gus

 

[Pionier]

I agree with you Gus. They do not look like typical soldier shirts - too many extra details. However they belonged to the same person - owner of the neck cloth and scarf - Lorenz.

So, I can assume it is civilian shirt used in the war - which was quite popular.
Thank you

 

[badener]

According to " The German Army in the First World War" by Kraus , the shirt should have 4 distinctive pleats on the back. 2 buttons on the neck. Slits on both sides. The shirt was made of canvas material. As the war progressed a cotton/canvas mix was used. Shirts could also be private purchase! My vote would go with these shirts being used.

 

[Gustaf]

It is also possible that these shirts were only worn after the war, the name being written in them would be for the laundry, but I do not see any buttons on the collars for the dress collar, this would fit with a war time usage, as a soldier would not wear a collar, any rate they are interesting
Best
Gus

 

[Chip Minx]

The shirt was made of canvas material. As the war progressed a cotton/canvas mix was used.

Normal issue German shirts were made from cotton linen. Kraus makes no mention of canvas (Segeltuch). The wartime cold weather version of the issue shirt had the same cut, but was made from wool.

Mention is made of Tricot, which I believe, refers to the weave of the material. I think it refers to a knit as opposed to a linen material. Later in the war (1917), due to the shortages of cotton, new raw materials were tried, which ended up being a mixture of synthetic cotton, cotton scraps and cotton.

Chip

 

[badener]

Kraus/Page 231&232. " This shirt , acquired in 1895 , is made of yellow canvas , and is 92cm long." " From March 1918 on , in order to save resources , the canvas-weave troops' shirt was made of a mixture of cotton and other materials."

 

[Chip Minx]

Hello Badener,

I am referring to the two volume set of Kraus, "Die feldgraue Uniformierung des deutschen Heeres 1907-1918". I see that you are referring to the Kraus picture book from the Bavarian army museum. In this case, the English translation is in error. "Baumwollstoff" is cotton linen cloth, not cotton canvas. Canvas, is the cotton material that "Zeltbahnen" and other equipment items are made from. This shirt material is just cotton linen. Two completely different things.

Chip