Schmid, Hans-Peter Die Achselklappen, Achselstücke und Ärmelabzeichen der Königlich Preußischen Armee 1866–1918

This illustrated book exclusively depicts rank insignia of the Prussian army and the independent and dependent contingents of non-Prussian states that were incorporated into the Prussian army. It begins with the tunic and ends with the field grey uniform. The viewer is provided with a wide range of illustrative material from this period, showing the diversity, shape, colour and change of the rank insignia. The blue tunic was introduced in Prussia with A.K.O. of 23 October 1842. Before this date, collets or tailcoats were worn. The description of the epaulettes on the tunic for enlisted men is to begin from this date and for officers from the introduction of the field epaulettes with A.K.O. of 7 June 1866. The illustrated book is intended for laymen interested in uniforms, possibly for collectors to identify epaulettes and shoulder boards, and for military historians who may be seeing some of the items for the first time. The illustrations are also intended to enable classification into a period or formation. All objects come from the extensive collection of the editors and authors, which contains many rare items from this era, but cannot be complete due to the diversity and peculiarities of the respective contingents. The present illustrated book is enlivened by contemporary photos, illustrations of functional badges, awards and sealed samples from the clothing department of the Prussian War Ministry. A work that aims to provide information and insight into epaulettes and shoulder boards, and thus a sub-area of uniform studies, will naturally also contain errors that may give rise to criticism. We therefore welcome corrections and additions that may help to expand the authors' knowledge so that any future new edition can be improved accordingly.