Description
These two shoulder boards came to us together. I believe they came from the same officer and represent what was worn on a pre war tunic and on an M-1910 or M-1915 tunic. They are also quite unique as they are for a Generalmajor zu Disposition. [We have never before offered any Generalmajor zu Disposition’s shoulder boards. They provide a fine contrast to an active-duty General’s boards. It typically was the Imperial German Army’s practice to advance an officer one grade when he entered retirement, both in recognition of his long service and to increase his retirement pay. So, it is most likely that this particular officer entered retirement as an Oberst, either as a regimental commander or serving as a Brigade, Division, or Armeekorps staff member].
We will be selling the boards as a pair because they will be more interesting to display together, AND that is how they came to us.
1). Pre War Example Probably for a Dunkel-Blau Tunic. This shoulder board measures 1 ½” x 4.” It features two Russian-style gold bullion ropes, with a single band of silver bullion in between them. The silver bullion features a white chevron with thin black trim that identifies the boards as Prussian for an officer who was zu Disposition. The underlay is made of red felt that extends past the board’s end. NO strap is available to slip it on (nor does it appear that one was ever present). It may well have been sewn onto the tunic, which is a bit unusual. Some light mothing appears on the red surface. They appear more like blooms rather than full nips.
2). M-1915 Example for an M-1910 or M-1915 Feldgrau Tunic. This also measures 1 ½” x 4.” As it was intended for use on a feldgrau tunic, the roping is subdued rather than the pre war gold/silver. Again, its white chevron with thin black trim really stands out against the subdued roping. The same red underlay as the pre war example is present, also extending past the board’s end. Also, NO strap is available to slip it on (nor does it appear one was ever present), just like the pre war example. It also exhibits some light mothing on its red surface, although a bit less than what appears on the other shoulder board.
If you have an interest in shoulder boards (especially those belonging to Generals), these two would make an excellent addition to your collection.
