FS says: I must admit that I love Prussian uniforms. Prussia, at this time, was one of the only armies that had a bureaucratic force backing their army. Unlike in the rest of Europe, the Prussians made it equally honorable to serve behind a desk as to serve in the field. Being an army clerk was a desirable position, giving them the best and brightest staff they could find.
The uniforms were also part of the how the Prussian army’s discipline and pride was shown. Wearing a uniform in Prussia afforded you significant status. Officer uniforms obviously counted for more, but unlike the he British style of purchased commissions officers in the Prussian army were promoted much like we do today (though class did matter when promoting above a certain level.)
All this gave Prussia, under Bismarck, the edge and lead to Prussia’s domination of the German unification process.
Also … hats. I love these hats.
Kronprinzessin Cecile und Herzogin Viktoria Luise (by joerookery)
