This is an incredible First World War Prussian officer's bluse, combat-worn by the officer who led his regiment through the execution of the von Schlieffen Plan in 1914. This tunic was previously featured in a Hermann Historica auction and had a two-page spread in their catalog, a copy of this catalog is included in this auction.
The tunic is named to "Major von Hackewitz" on the 1912 dated tailor label, and the Prussian Rangeliste confirms he was promoted to Major on 11.09.1907, while serving in Infantry Regiment 42. The 1914 Rangeliste shows him as a Lieutenant Colonel and the deputy commanding officer at the War's outbreak in July, and the unit history of the 42nd regiment (also included in this auction), confirms he took over as the commander of the regiment during the mobilization for war in August, as the former Commander was transferred to command another regiment. Hence, Karl von Hackewitz entered combat with his regiment as the unit's commanding officer in August 1914.
The unit history has two photographs of von Hackewitz wearing this exact uniform! These photos were taken on the day the officers of the 42nd Regiment were awarded their Iron Cross II classes for actions in combat. Although this ribbon is no longer affixed to the uniform, traces of the black threads remain on the same buttonhole that the photo confirms the ribbon was sewn onto.
The unit history also describes, in German of course, how the unit marched from Germany into Belgium and further into France where they saw heavy contact with French forces. In one of the photos shown in the unit history, the commander von Hackewitz can be seen wearing a black "mourning band" on his left arm, in commemoration of the officers and men lost up to that point in the war.
The unit history also states that von Hackewitz commanded the regiment through the execution of the von Schlieffen plan, and to the point where they dug into their trenches at the end of September 1914. At this point he was relieved for physical exhaustion: already in his '50s and marching for two continuous months while leading a regiment was quite a feat for a man of his age, but he executed his duties remarkably. Most commanding officers of regiments were relieved around this time, as they were exhausted from the opening months of the war, but also because they were trained in mobile warfare tactics, and the war had already transitioned to static warfare for which they had no expertise.
Karl von Hackewitz is the only "von Hackewitz" listed in the 1914 Rangeliste, so along with the photographic confirmation, there is no doubt that this tunic belonged to this very officer!
The tunic itself is exquisitely made by one of the finest tailors for the Prussian Army, located in Potsdam Berlin, and catering specifically to Prussian nobility. The wool and workmanship is the finest of any Imperial German tunic that can be found. The tunic also exhibits indications of real combat wear. Every button except one is matching and of the same manufacturer, with one button near the beltline of a different manufacturer. Other First World War tunics made by the same tailor confirm the exact format of the label...so while there is a number "1941" shown on the label, this is undoubtedly an inventory number and in no way a date indicating later construction during the Second World War.
Very few tunics in collections or museums can be attributed to a Regimental Commander, particularly during such a decisive moment in the war has the failed execution of the von Schieffen Plan. This uniform will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of even the most advanced collection.
I would consider trades for very fine Imperial Russian or Austro-Hungarian field tunics, particularly an Austrian Kaiserschutzen (mountain troops) tunic.