Description
This is a wonderful prewar quality dunkel-blau tunic from a Minenwerfer detachment. Many of you are asking, “What in the world is a Minenwerfer?” Minenwerfers were wheeled artillerie pieces that fell partway between conventional cannons and mortars. They were intended for use in close support of Infanterie. They were mounted on gun carriages, but typically had shorter barrels than traditional cannons as they were not intended for long-range use. They did not require the greater range because they were kept much closer to the Infanterie than other forms of artillerie. Minenwerfers came in three calibers: 7.58CM, 17CM, and 25CM. They also had rifled barrels. They were used in fairly large numbers during WW I. [I do not know if the Allies had a similar weapon, but this does provide quite an intriguing story]! The tunic’s body is dark-blue (dunkel blau). A single row of eight silver buttons runs down its center. The second buttonhole from the top sports a ribbon for the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class. Red piping extends from the collar down to the tunic’s center. The tunic’s collar is black (for Artillerie), edged with silver bullion tape. The sleeves display the same arrangement of black material with silver bullion tape of an Unteroffizier. Two silver buttons adorn each sleeve. The shoulder straps are red with a yellow “MW” on them. The tunic’s interior, along with the plain buttons on the shoulder straps, confirms that it is a high-quality, privately-purchased tunic. The tunic’s interior is lined in gray and black silk. The lining is complete and in good condition. No ownership marks appear on the pocket, etc. The exterior is a fine wool gabardine. I see perhaps two extremely small moth nips on the entire exterior. This tunic is in EXCELLENT condition. It would make a superb addition to any collection.
