Einheitsmantel (Model 1915 Field-Grey Overcoat)

Introduced in late 1915, the new overcoat was intended to be identical for mounted and dismounted troops and for other ranks and officers. The coat was Feldgrau (field-grey) and had a large fold over collar in green cloth Abzeieltentueh.

Original M.1915 Einheitsmantel

An original Einheitsmantel with collar in the upright postition.

The collar was oversized and closed with two set of hooks and eyes and could be worn in the upright position reaching up to the mouth and was thus slightly higher than the previous model. The coat had fold-over cuffs, which were often removed because of the weight. Six zinc crowned buttons in brown paint closed the front of the coat. The Mantel had two side pockets closed with 7" (18cm) flaps without buttons. The shoulder straps could be the same as those of the M.1915 Bluse and had a width of l.8"(4.5cm). Later, Einheitsmantel of the infantry would lose the white piping and just be Feldgrau with regimental numbers chain stitched in red wool.

Interior view of an original Einheitsmantel.

The cotton half-liner had an internal breast pocket at the left side, presumably for holding the individual's ID papers and documents, the waist side pockets were constructed of a courser material and were extra deep. The rear was made larger and more comfortable to wear compared with the earlier pattern, with two folds of cloth at the back seam. The corner ends had a small metal hook which could be attached to a metal or cloth loop sewn onto the back of the coat. This allowed the flaps to be worn folded back, similar to the French or Belgian overcoats.

Original photo of a group of Soldaten all wearing the M.1915 Mantel

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