Uniforms of the German Soldier

Through periods of glory, defeat and renaissance, the German Army uniform has evolved. Prussianistic and Germanic traditions have remained strong throughout the uniform's history, and can still be found in the insignia and equipment of the present-day soldier. In 1870 the uniforms worn by Imperial German soldiers varied between the different principalities. The spiked helmet (pickelhaube) was first adopted by Prussia in 1842, but it was later used throughout Germany. The pickelhaube was made out of leather, with metal reinforcement and a metal spike. It went through a number of modifications, such as the introduction of a round visor and the replacement of the rear spine. Within the colonies, there was even greater variation in uniform and equipment. In German East Africa, the soldiers wore white service uniforms with white tropical helmets and the national cockade of black, white and red. The East Asia Brigade wore a field gray jacket with four front pockets lined with leather, designed for carrying cartridges. Uniforms of the German Soldier has more than thirty color photographs and more than 300 black-and-white photographs, giving the reader an unparalleled analysis. Each photograph is accompanied with a detailed caption, explaining interesting aspects of the soldier's uniform, insignia and equipment.

Alejandro M. de Quesada is the author of many articles and books on military history, including The Men of Fort Foster, Eickhorn Export Edged Weapons, and Distant Thunder. A Fellow of The Company of Military Historians, he is currently serving as Historian for the 7th Coast Guard Auxiliary District.