Original Pre-WWI Imperial German Prussian Waffenrock Tunic - Milwaukee Costume House Marked

Imperial German Prussian-pattern dark blue Waffenrock tunic, believed to date to the pre–World War I period. Features a red standing collar, red Brandenburg-style cuffs with three buttons each, red front piping, and decorative rear skirt panels with buttons.

The interior bears a “Carnival Costume Co. / Costumiers / Milwaukee, Wis.” stamp, indicating costume-house ownership or use at some point in its history. The original regiment and wearer are unidentified, and any alterations associated with its costume-house use are unknown.

Details:

• Dark blue wool exterior with red collar, cuffs, and piping.

• Plain domed brass-colored buttons.

• Cream-colored upper lining and contrasting dark lower skirt lining.

• Interior pocket.

• Shoulder straps/boards are not present.

Condition:

Offered in worn, unrestored condition with open shoulder seams to accept regimental shoulder straps (with the plain Brandenburg cuffs, the regiments could be GR10, IR14, IR22, IR23, IR25, IR26, IR27, IR28, IR29, FR36, FR38, FR40, IR42, IR51, IR54, IR63, IR64, and so on... A wide variety of options if you have a pair of original shoulder straps!). There are scattered small holes and areas of fabric wear, surface marks and discoloration, and wear around the collar edge. The interior lining has staining, separated seams, and some losses. One cuff/sleeve lining is particularly deteriorated, with loose and torn fabric exposed inside. Buttons show tarnish and surface wear.

Please examine all photographs carefully, including the close-ups of the shoulders, collar, cuffs, and lining. Best suited to collection, display, study, or a restoration project rather than regular wear. I am open to reasonable offers!