Imperial German Model 1915 Field Gray 'Bluse'

Imperial German Model 1915 Field Gray 'Bluse'

Feldgrau wool enlisted issue bluse has green abzeichentuch 'insignia cloth' collar, concealed button front closure with gray horn buttons, inset side pockets close with field gray painted crown buttons, and the sleeves have unaltered original barrel cuffs.  Reverse has skirt vent; side hooks and back button hooks are correctly in place.  Shoulders have Telegrapher straps that are original but may be collector additions.  Interior has very nice field gray cotton twill lining with faint size block stamp, maker stamp, and what appears to be an "18" dated 10th Corps bekleidungsamt stamp.  Lining has the two interior pockets and wound dressing pocket in the skirt.  There are several sewn repairs and what appears to be carefully repaired mothing on the collar, and a small repaired hole in the center back just above the belt ramp buttons.  

The Model 1915 simplified field blouse (Bluse) marked a major change in German military dress during the First World War, reflecting wartime economies and evolving battlefield conditions. Introduced to replace the prewar 07/10 tunic, it was designed for faster production with fewer materials and simplified tailoring, eliminating piping, decorative cuffs, and other labor-intensive features. Constructed of field-grey wool with plain turnback cuffs and concealed buttons, the M1915 Bluse provided a more functional and less conspicuous garment suited to trench warfare. Period photographs show that the replacement of the 07/10 waffenrock was hit-or-miss, often with a mix of coat styles within the same unit.

$1500 - $2000