The Gibraltar cuff-title / III collar insignia

drakegoodman

drakegoodman

Member
Much has been written on the origins of the Gibraltar cuff-title, with no finer example than Tony's online article at Kaiser's Bunker.

But it's the collar insignia on the fellows in this picture that has me intrigued. I've seen it before, but not quite as clear as depicted here. Could it stand for the 111th Infantry Division for which Füsilier-Regiment Feldmarschall Prinz Albrecht von Preußen (Hannoversches) Nr. 73 was attached?

Link to the large format picture is below.

Gent 29.10.1914


Gibraltar cuff title, Ghent railway station, October 1914 by drakegoodman, on Flickr

Reverse:

4477201753_e340589dc0_o.jpg


- Brett
 
The answer it seems has been under my nose all along - on the reverse.

Die weißen Streifen am Kragen sind unsere Regimentsabzeichen, die wir erst hier erhalten haben.

Full translation:

My loved ones!

I send you my picture; in the middle is the battalion commander (a captain) and the former company commander of our company. At his side the current company commander. Furthermore, the representatives of the officers of the 9th Company and the corporals corps of the same company.

The picture was taken on the platform of the station where we live. The palms are natural plants. Now you will have an idea of how wonderful the station is. The white strips on the collar are the insignia of our regiment which we received here.

Moreover I am still fine only that I have bad toothache at the moment.
However I´m waiting for a letter from you everyday but always in vain. Hopefully you are still safe and sound. Have sent 50,- M this week to Gräfenhain for Mariechen to have something good.

So send instant reply! Warm regards and kisses from your husband and father.
 
drakegoodman said:
Die weißen Streifen am Kragen sind unsere Regimentsabzeichen, die wir erst hier erhalten haben.
Click to expand...

Holy Cow! You can actually read Sütterlin script? I have never been able to make more than every 10th word. I am impressed. I admit this photo has been driving me cRaZy :tard: trying to figure out what the white cloth stipes were on the collar and now I am even more confused. "The white strips at the collar are our regiment marks that we received first here" I cannot find any reference to this.

The best part about this photo though, is the Feldwebel! Look at his Feldwebel Feldrock with the correct 16mm upper braid on the cuffs when the rest of the braid on the collar and cuff is standard NCO 21mm. And of course, as he is an Unteroffizier mit Portepee (NCOs with the Officer's sword knot) what a great view of the Portepee and the special belt they wore with sword hangers. And best of all, his report book tucked into the front of his Feldrock, with the buttons still on the outside! So they were false, which is just so cool. [Ignore the button part. Bad eyes obviously..]

Feldwebel.jpg
 
Tony, thanks for taking the time to take a look at this one.

Firstly, I'd love to take credit for the translation, however, like you I can only decipher one or two words of Sütterlin in a sentence. No, the credit must go to an associate in Kiel who helps me out from time to time.

Your analysis of the Feldwebel's Feldrock is first-rate - naturally, but the false button reference has me befuddled. I see button-holes :???:

- Brett
 
Brett,

This is terrific information! Thank goodness the sender had a bit of the historian in him. I have seen this insignia before in other photos, but of course, without the nice description. You have added to the knowledge pool of unofficial insignia, a little known and interesting field.

Regards,
Chip
 
drakegoodman said:
Much has been written on the origins of the Gibraltar cuff-title, with no finer example than Tony's online article at Kaiser's Bunker.

But it's the collar insignia on the fellows in this picture that has me intrigued. I've seen it before, but not quite as clear as depicted here. Could it stand for the 111th Infantry Division for which Füsilier-Regiment Feldmarschall Prinz Albrecht von Preußen (Hannoversches) Nr. 73 was attached?

Link to the large format picture is below.

Gent 29.10.1914


Gibraltar cuff title, Ghent railway station, October 1914 by drakegoodman, on Flickr

Reverse:

4477201753_e340589dc0_o.jpg


- Brett
Click to expand...
 

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