Description
An exceptional original Imperial German military uniform reference published by Moritz Ruhl of Leipzig circa 1910. Titled Die graue Felduniform der Deutschen Armee, this early publication documents the German Army’s newly introduced gray field uniforms shortly before World War I.
The book’s most impressive feature is its extensive accordion-fold, or leporello, color plate sequence. When expanded, the connected panels present a remarkable visual survey of Imperial German military dress, including officers, enlisted personnel, tunics, field caps, shoulder straps, regimental insignia, branch colors and distinctions used by the various German states.
Notable features include:
* Original circa-1910 Imperial German military publication
* Detailed officer and enlisted-uniform sections
* Large accordion-fold lithographic color illustrations
* Numerous individually captioned regiments and military branches
* Field caps, shoulder straps, tunic details and insignia references
* Strong surviving colors with fine period printing
* Attractive gray cloth binding with gilt Imperial German eagle
* Black-stamped German Fraktur title on the front cover
* Decorative period endpapers
* Period German newspaper clipping added by an early owner
* Useful reference for Imperial German uniforms, insignia and militaria
The cloth binding remains attractive and structurally sound, with clear title stamping, visible gilt decoration and relatively light exterior wear. Minor rubbing and corner fraying are present. The illustrated panels retain vivid colors and considerable fine detail.
The period newspaper clipping discusses German naval mine, submarine and aviation specialist corps. It is now loosely or partially mounted, with old adhesive residue and staining visible on the adjacent blank leaf. Additional age-related toning and wear may be present along the accordion folds.
A scarce and visually impressive survivor from the formative period of German field-gray military dress, especially desirable for collectors of Imperial German militaria, World War I history, military costume, regimental insignia and early color lithography. Please view all the photos carefully for the complete contents, binding and condition.
