Description
An outstanding original 1916 Imperial German officer’s field handbook, published in Berlin during World War I. This is the 45th edition of v. Wedels Offizier-Taschenbuch für Kriegs- und Friedensgebrauch, newly revised and expanded by Generalmajor William Balck.
Designed as a compact working reference for an active officer, this handbook combines military organization, field tactics, map reading, communications, engineering, logistics, and troop deployment in a portable format. It is much more visually and historically engaging than a standard military text because it retains numerous original folding charts and illustrated operational aids.
Notable contents include:
* Infantry and cavalry formations
* Machine-gun company and detachment columns
* Heavy-artillery ammunition columns
* Trench, shelter, and field-fortification profiles
* Troop, artillery, transportation, and tactical map symbols
* Marching-column arrangements for divisions and army corps
* German military regulations and abbreviations
* Optical signaling, wireless telegraphy, Morse code, and signal references
* Topographical symbols and German handwriting examples
* Foreign map-scale conversions for Russian, French, and Austrian maps
* Printed rear-cover pace calculator, map scales, and centimeter ruler
The flexible cloth binding, rounded corners, foldout reference sheets, and measuring tables demonstrate that this was intended to be carried and actively consulted rather than kept as a decorative library volume. The survival of so many fragile folding charts is a particularly important feature, as these working supplements were especially vulnerable to loss, detachment, and damage.
The original cloth binding remains attractive and clearly lettered. It shows age-appropriate handling, scattered marks, rubbing, and edge wear. The interior has expected toning and foxing, while the printed text, diagrams, and foldouts remain clear and highly displayable. Pencil notations appear on the title page.
A compelling World War I artifact for collectors of Imperial German militaria, military engineering, trench warfare, artillery, machine-gun history, cartography, field manuals, and antique military books.
Please view all the photos to appreciate the extensive folding material, detailed illustrations, binding, and overall condition.
