Description
This is a very rare Flügeladjutant parade belt or sash from the Grand Duchy of Baden. The position of Flügeladjutant was not used in every German state. Essentially, he was a high-ranking officer, at least an Oberst or a General. He served as an aide to the King, Grand Duke, Duke, Prince, etc. He often was a close confidant of his ruler. His headdress was different from that of other officers, as was his uniform. This was an extremely important position, and it was a great honor to serve in this capacity. (I believe only one man could do so at any one time). Naturally, the state’s ruler had other military officers on his staff in varying functions, but the Flügeladjutant was by far their chief, and an important member of his ruler’s retinue. As for the object we are offering today, I describe it as a belt or sash since I believe I remember the seller saying that it was worn across the body (over the shoulder). I could be wrong about this! If my memory is incorrect, then it was worn like a more conventional parade belt. The belt portion is silver bullion, with contrasting double stripes of red and yellow (Baden’s state colors) bullion. Two large, decorative, silver, bullion balls hang down from the belt, with silver, red, and yellow bullion tendrils dangling down from them. (The bullion balls resemble large sword portépées. That is not what they are, it is what they look like). The item’s overall condition is excellent. Very few of these were ever made, and even fewer survived.
