Name of the symbol on a general/feldmarschal collar tab

[warwriter1939]

Was there a special name for that symbol? What is it, exactly, feathers? Thanks, Lisa

[Kent Berg]

If you mean the crossed Batons, thats what there called, they are just a small copy of the large baton they carried. Just crossed batons.

[warwriter1939]

No, I meant the collar tabs, not the shoulder boards. The gold embroidered "feathers". Thanks for answering, Lisa

[HPL2008]

This particular pattern's name was "Larischstickerei" ("Larisch"-embroidery, after a pattern used by the Prussian Infantry-Regiment Nr. 26 "Alt-Larisch")

The general descriptive term used for this kind of design is "Arabeskenmuster" ("arabesque-pattern"); "Arabeske" being an ornamental pattern of vines and leaves.

If you look at those collar patches, you can see that this just what it is: A pattern of leaves and wines,while the double line between the two rows of leaves was originally a buttonhole, by the way.

Here's an example where you can make out the details:

http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPages/Cloth/c504h.htm


As for the "feathers" on the end; I really don't know the origin of this part. It was called "Schweif" (Meaning "tail", a bushy tail, to be more precise.) I suppose it just an additional bit of ornamentation.


Hope this helps.

[warwriter1939]

Thank you so much! That's exactly what I'm looking for.

Lisa

[Oskar]

Hello HPL 2008:

Can you give me a bit more history on the Larisch unit. When did it exist, when did they start using that particular embroidering, how well did it fare in battle, why was that embroidering pattern particularly chosen and used (as well as when), etc? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,

Oskar

[HPL2008]

Sorry, Oskar, but I have absolutely no material about this Imperial regiment. (The info about the collar patch pattern's name ist from Angolia & Schlicht's book about Wehrmacht uniforms and traditions, where they also mention that this pattern was introduced for Prussian Generals on 23 March 1900.)

[Glenn2438]

Oskar,

Infanterie-Regiment No. 26 was an old Prussian infantry regiment in existence from 1714 until it's dissolution in 1806. It fought under Frederick the great at Prague, Roßbach, Leuthen, Hochkirch, Liegnitz, Torgau and Freiberg. It was recruited from the area of Lebus, Cottbus, Beeskow, Fürstenwalde, Mühlrose, Seelow and Peitz. You will note the insignia from the coat of the commissioned officers of the regiment which in a later form were introduced for Prussian generals in March 1900. Illustration from "Die friderizianischen Uniformen" by Hans Bleckwenn.

Regards
Glenn