The colours and regimental distinctions used on Imperial German Army uniforms were not static throughout the Imperial period. As new regiments were raised and existing units were reorganised, details such as facing colours, shoulder straps, piping and other distinctions could change.
This guide brings together original colour plates from three period editions published by Moritz Ruhl in Leipzig – 1886, 1903 and 1914. They provide three snapshots of the German Army at different stages of its development and make it possible to compare how individual regiments and branches changed over time.
When configuring a Waffenrock, use the section corresponding as closely as possible to the period you wish to represent. For some units the differences are minor, while others changed considerably between editions.
The plates should be treated as a period reference rather than a modern textile colour standard. If you are unsure about the correct configuration for a particular regiment and year, feel free to contact us.
Key dates
1853 (1 Dec) – regimental numbers or cyphers made with soutache were introduced.
1897 – privately purchased, hand-embroidered cyphers were officially permitted.
1899 (16 Jan) – chain-stitched numbers and cyphers were introduced.
1901 (18 Jun) – the former blue shoulder straps worn on the Wachtmantel were replaced by shoulder straps of the same pattern as those worn on the Bunter Rock.
1903 (11 Apr) – shoulder straps worn on all overcoats were replaced by the same pattern used on the Bunter Rock
This part is based on the 1886 edition of Die Uniformen der Deutschen Armee, published by Moritz Ruhl in Leipzig, found on deutsches-blankwaffenforum. The original plates show the colours and distinctions used by individual regiments and branches of the Imperial German Army.
Use the plates below as a reference when configuring your Waffenrock. Details varied by regiment and period, so if you are unsure about a particular configuration, feel free to contact us.
Infanterie and Jäger Regiments
Artillerie, Pioniere and Train units
1903
This part is based on the 1903 edition of Die Uniformen der Deutschen Armee, published by Moritz Ruhl in Leipzig, found on deutsches-blankwaffenforum. The original plates show the colours and distinctions used by individual regiments and branches of the Imperial German Army.
Use the plates below as a reference when configuring your Waffenrock. Details varied by regiment and period, so if you are unsure about a particular configuration, feel free to contact us.
Infanterie and Jäger Regiments
Artillerie, Pioniere and Verkehrstruppe units
1914
This guide is based on the 1914 edition of Die Uniformen der Deutschen Armee, published by Moritz Ruhl in Leipzig. The original plates show the colours and distinctions used by individual regiments and branches of the Imperial German Army.
Use the plates below as a reference when configuring your Waffenrock. Details varied by regiment and period, so if you are unsure about a particular configuration, feel free to contact us.
Please note that colour configurations may differ for other periods.
Infanterie and Jäger Regiments
Artillerie, Pioniere and Verkehrstruppe units
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