Überrock (M.1908 Mantel)

An attempt was made to create a more comfortable and lightweight overcoat in 1908. This new Mantel, made of Steingrau wool, had a much smaller collar the the previous, but could still be worn in the upright position and closed with small horn buttons. The collar would just reach the chin. At each side of the coat, a 2" (5cm) wide slip re-enforced with leather was present to insert the belt hooks of the tunic, so the weight of the belt could be supported when the Mantel was worn. The Mantel fastened with six polished buttons of red brass or white copper and had a half-belt at the back with one corresponding button. It had two red wool collar patches, and button-on shoulder straps, both in the same color as those on the tunic.

Original M.1908 Mantel

The liner was removed, thus creating a much lighter garment. In addition, the cuffs were removed and the ends of the sleeves could be adjusted for size with a small horn button. Because the buttons and collar patches were noticeable from a great distance, Saxony decided to use field-grey or grey-green patches with regimental piping and matte Tombak buttons, only to be worn in wartime. Prussia decided to remove the colored shoulder straps for the duration of the war.

Original photo of an IR63 Soldat in M.1908 Mantel

The M.1908 Mantel was actually quite unsuitable for static warfare in the winter, being unlined and offered only little protection from the cold weather conditions.

Model 1915 Overcoat

During 1915, several changes and simplifications were introduced. The shoulder straps were now supplied in grey or field-grey material and matched the color of the overcoat. Except the Guard regiments, they did not have any piping. They had to be sewn into the shoulder seam instead of being removable. Newly made coats were manufactured without the service branch colored collar patches and had a white liner and a large liner pocket on the left side.

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