Gents, I thought I would show my latest aquisition, an Hussars Officers undress tunic (Interim Attila) worn by officers as a second service dress, worn in the mess, for walking out, off duty, church parades etc. This tunic is for the rank of "Degenfahnrich", that is, the Regiments appointed senior officer cadet, having passed all his exams at the acadamy he was returned to his regiment to await promotion to 2nd Lieutenant, he was allowed certain officer privileges during this time, for example, officer cockades, sword and knot, and also the Degenfahnrich was permitted to wear off duty in undress, the officers interim tunic, but with the braid/frogging in black and white wool instead of the usual officers black and silver wire braid, also the tunic was worn with other ranks shoulder straps. This particular example is from "Husaren-Regt. von Zieten (Brandenburgisches) Nr.3 (Rathenow) III Armee Korps" and is listed as dark blue !...however Imperial German blue was a much brighter colour than the dark blue in the British Army. This particular Regiments colour for its service Attila was bright red, but for its Interim it was dark blue with no braid around the hip pockets. The tunic is in fairly good condition for its age, it is well over 100 years old, and sadly has suffered some moth damage around the bottom of the tunic, I shall look into some form of sympathetic restoration. It is also sporting cyphers on the straps, from the 7th Husaren Regt (the 3rd had no cyphers), it would appear that they have been on a long time (I shall leave them on) , did he transfer upon promotion as the 7th also wore a blue Attila ?. The tunic came with loops for an EK I and a pinback EK II device attached the braid by the second toggle/button, having no buttonhole to attach a ribbon thro this was a method of display on these types of tunics. The lining is in good condition and features an internal belt, breast pockets and two hidden pockets on rear flaps (as on Dunkelblau tunics). This tunic would of been worn with white linen trousers and a service cap along with the lion headed undress sabre.
Prost ! Steve.
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