My Cross-Town Friend ("ctf") is also an advanced collector of Imperial Uniforms & Headgear.
I will add to this thread as time permits.
His comments are in italics:
Following the e-mail report I sent on the last Pomona show, I received questions concerning the value and scarcity of the two uniforms I bought at the show, specifically the 10 officers Jager zu Pferde tunic.
At past auctions in Germany many years ago, I was outbid (considerably) by German collectors for Jager zu Pferde uniforms in my condition. Until this past week end, none were available, except those offered in poor condition or seriously overpriced. So, how scarce is a 10 officers Jager Zu Pferde tunic?
As an example, compare with Husar uniforms. The first German Husar regiment von Zeiten was formed in 1730. Thus, there are literally thousands of Husar uniforms, of all periods, in German museums, collectors hands, and up for sale.
The Jager Zu Pferde regiments was the last formed German cavalry regiments. Starting with Garde Jager zu Pferde, formed in 1895. The 10 Jager zu Pferde officer I have, was an officer in a regiment formed in 1913. WWI ends in 1918. The 10 J zu P regiment is then in existence for a total of five years – meaning many fewer Jager zu Pferde uniforms produced, compared to the thousands of Husar uniforms.
Add additional scarcity to the fact that the 10th Jager zu Pferde uniform shown above was garrisoned in extreme eastern Prussia. When the Russians overwhelmed East Prussia in 1945, the 10th Jager zu Pferde garrison towns of Angerburg and Goldap (see map) were strongpoints, quickly destroyed in heavy fighting. The Kaserne’s were leveled and the homes of married officers/NCO’s surrounding the Kasernes, were also destroyed and looted.
So, how does this Jager zu Pferde uniform, (made in Berlin in 1915) and worn by Oberlt. Fallingen in either to Angerburg or Goldap, make it to Calif. in stone mint condition after 107 years?
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