IR63's Optional Impressions

The items listed in this section are optional items and/or impressions for IR63. While some may never end up at a combat event, and may only be used in events outside the unit's purview, the information presented here is often requested. If you have the desire and opportunity to put together the impressions presented here, it is our wish to help you do so authentically and correctly for your benefit and the unit's.

1914 Marching Order

M.1907/10 Waffenrock (field jacket) in Feldgrau (field grey) cloth, fastening with a single row of eight buttons (Prussian "Crown" buttons for IR63) with the turned-down collar. The collar, the front edge, and the simulated three-button pocket flaps in the tails were piped red. IR63 tunics would have "Brandenburg" cuffs ornamented with three buttons and also piped in red. The Feldgrau Achselklappen (shoulder straps), which were detachable in 1914, and for IR63 would have been piped in yellow with the regimental numbers chain stitched in the center of the board in red.
M.1907/10 Hosen (trousers) in a Feldgrau (field grey) wool with 4mm red wool piping on the outside seam.
M.1866 Marschstiefel (marching boots) in tan leather, rough side out.
M.1895 Pickelhaube helmet, the latest in a series of similar helmets stretching back to 1842. Made of formed, boiled leather, with brass spike and fittings, the Pickelhaube offered little protection. On campaign, the M.1892 helmet cover with a simple cloth applique regimental numbers in red, concealed the helmet's Wappen (frontal plate) which varied according to the regiment and state - and the side cockades, of which one was in the National colors of red, white and black and the other consisting of the colors of the Land or state of origin for the unit (IR63 was black and white for Prussia).
M.1895 Tornister (pack) made out of unshaven cow hide; the pack has an internal frame made of wood. The Tornister accommodated changes of clothes, a work uniform, off-duty footwear, reserve rations, extra ammo, etc. The outer stowage comprised the Steingrau (stone grey) M.1907 Mantel (greatcoat) and the Zeltbahn (see item 16.)
M.1907 Feldflasche (canteen) of cloth-covered enameled steel with a cork, hooked to the breadbag.
M.1909 Patronentaschen (cartridge pouches) in pebbled-finish brown leather. Each of the six pouches, in two sets of three, holds three five-round clips of 7.92x57mm cartridges, giving a total of 90 rounds. The weight is distributed by means of a ring mounted behind each triple pouch, hooking to the front shoulder-strap of the Tornister pack.
M.1895 Koppel und Koppelschloß (belt and belt buckle) the belt would have been rough out natural oiled and the buckle would be the M.1895 bi-metal Prussian buckle - brass body with white nickle Prussian crown.
M.1887 Brotbeutel (breadbag or haversack) made of ochre cloth; it looped to the belt by two buttoned cloth straps and a central metal hook. Two rings on the inner face allowed the attachment of a sling so that it could also be worn slung round the body. The Brotbeutel accommodated rations and eating utensils as well as small personal effects.
Kleiner Spaten oder Schanzzeug und Schanzzeugtasche (entrenching tool & carrier), looped to the left side of the belt by the M.1898 leather carrier. The carrier would be natural oiled leather, the lower straps of the carrier also secured the bayonet scabbard to the spade handle.
M.1898 Seitengewehr (called the "feather" bayonet). The scabbard would be black leather with plain "in the white" steel fittings at the top and bottom.
M.1873 Troddel (bayonet knot) is woven in colors to represent the company - for IR63 that will be yellow-white-yellow for 3rd Company.
M.1910 Kochgeschirr (mess kit) in black-painted aluminum, was fixed to the Tornister flap by two brown Kochgeschirrriemen (messkit straps).
M.1898 Mauser Gewehr 98 (rifle '98), in 7.92x57mm caliber, for early war, the configuration of the Gewehr should have the marking disk on the buttstock and no finger grooves in the forestock.
M.1908 Mantel (greatcoat) in Steingrau, the large fall collar and fastened with six large smooth domed, grey-painted buttons, and had two large flapped pockets in the sides, set at a slant.
M.1892 Zeltbahn (tent/shelter-quarter) made of ochre colored canvas.
Halsbinde (neck stock) in grey or grey-green cloth, tied around the neck to protect the wool collar from sweat and wear.

1914 Walking Out Dress

M.1895 Pickelhaube helmet, the latest in a series of similar helmets stretching back to 1842. Made of formed, boiled leather, with brass spike and fittings, the Pickelhaube offered little protection. On campaign, the M.1892 helmet cover with a simple cloth applique regimental numbers in red, concealed the helmet's Wappen (frontal plate) which varied according to the regiment and state - and the side cockades, of which one was in the National colors of red, white and black and the other consisting of the colors of the Land or state of origin for the unit (IR63 was black and white for Prussia).
M.1907/10 Waffenrock (field jacket) in Feldgrau (field grey) cloth, fastening with a single row of eight buttons (Prussian "Crown" buttons for IR63) with the turned-down collar. The collar, the front edge, and the simulated three-button pocket flaps in the tails were piped red. IR63 tunics would have "Brandenburg" cuffs ornamented with three buttons and also piped in red. The Feldgrau Achselklappen (shoulder straps), which were detachable in 1914, and for IR63 would have been piped in yellow with the regimental numbers chain stitched in the center of the board in red.
M.1907/10 Hosen (trousers) in Steingrau cloth with 4mm red wool piping on the outside seams.
M.1866 Marschstiefel (marching boots) in tan leather, rough side out.
M.1895 Koppel und Koppelschloß (belt and belt buckle) the belt would have been rough out natural oiled and the buckle would be the M.1895 bi-metal Prussian buckle - brass body with white nickle Prussian crown.
M.1898 Seitengewehr (called the "feather" bayonet). The scabbard would be black leather with plain "in the white" steel fittings at the top and bottom, or the M.1898/05 Seitengewehr (called the "Butcher" bayonet) The bayonet would have been plain "in the white" steel and the scabbard would have been either "in the white" or brass ends and leather scabbard or of blued steel.
M.1873 Troddel (bayonet knot) is woven in colors to represent the company - for IR63 that will be yellow-white-yellow for 3rd Company.
Halsbinde (neck stock) in grey or grey-green cloth, tied around the neck to protect the wool collar from sweat and wear.