Description
This is an identified enlisted man’s tunic from Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Friedrich der Niederlande (2. Westfälisches) Nr 15. The Regiment was one of many created during the Napoleonic Wars. Its creation occurred on 1 July 1814. It saw extensive service in the Napoleonic Wars’ final phases. It was garrisoned at Minden, where it was attached to the VII. Armeekorps.
The tunic is made of pre war, dunkel-blau (dark-blue) wool. A single row of eight gilt-toned buttons down its center. It sports a red collar and a thin red trim band that extend down the tunic’s center, parallel to the buttons. The cuffs are also red with thin white trim. Each cuff has three more large, gilt-toned buttons. The shoulder straps are light-blue, with the regimental number embroidered in red. The left strap (from the wearer’s perspective) shows extensive mothing. Some of the damage extends to where the strap connects to the shoulder. Each strap has a smaller gilt-toned button displaying the number “13.” This represents Kompagnie Nr 13, traditionally any Infanterie Regiment’s Reserve Kompagnie.
The tunic’s obverse shows scattered moth nips and mothing in several areas. On the reverse reveals red trim at the vent flap and a six more large gilt-toned buttons. Inside the tunic we find several interesting details. First it is a privately-purchased tunic rather than a depot-issued example. It sports a black, silk, officers-style liner that is complete and in very pleasing condition. Also in the tunic’s center is a label that identifies the original owner as seen below.
Musketier
Strothmann
Masch.=Gun.=KP.5.=N.15
If you look at the label’s third line, you will note that the man was assigned to the Regiment’s machine gun section. The tunic’s overall condition is NOT what we prefer to offer you. The tunic’s pluses are its Old Line-Regiment’s status, its identification (always a BIG plus), and that the original owner was attached to the Regiment’s machine gun section. For these reasons, the tunic is desirable and very reasonably priced.
