Description
This is a very high-quality, privately-purchased enlisted man’s Kaiser Franz Garde-Grenadier Regiment Nr 2 tunic. The Regiment was founded in 1814 and garrisoned in Berlin. The Regiment was attached to the Gardekorps. The tunic’s classic, dunkel-blau wool is quite handsome. Eight gilt buttons run down the tunic’s center. A thin red trim line runs down the center, as well. White kragenspiegel appear on the red collar. Each red sleeve sports three white kragenspiegel that extend upward. Each kragenspiegel has a gilt button, totaling six between the two sleeves. The left breast displays two sewn-in loops that could accommodate either a two or three-place ribbon bar, if the new owner so chooses.
The shoulder straps are red, embroidered in white with Kaiser Franz’s crowned royal cypher. The crowned cypher is very impressive because it is so different from any of the German monarchies’ crowns. Two smaller gilt buttons attach the shoulder straps to the tunic, each boasting a “5” for Kompagnie Nr 5. The tunic’s back is fairly standard. It features red trim at the vent, along with three gilt buttons on each side.
This was a private purchase, not a depot-issued garment. It is no particular surprise. When he was assigned to a Garde-Regiment, a man took great pride in that assignment. He wanted to look extra-sharp. An older, ill-fitting tunic did not fit the image he wanted to present to the public or his fellow soldiers. This soldier opted for a cotton lining, rather than silk. It was less costly and may have helped him weather the heat during summer months. We find the original owner’s name at the center of tunic’s neck. It reads:
Grenadier
Bartling
5. Compagnie
The tunic’s overall condition rates at very fine. I can see no signs of mothing, and it has been well cared for over the years. We rarely get to offer an identified Garde tunic in such fine condition.
