Stunning German Uniform Collection!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Join me as we open Kaiser Wilhelm II's closets and examine his vast collection of uniforms and swords - in this episode, Uniforms, Batons & Medals
Special thanks to the staff at Huis Doorn for inviting me on a private tour of the building and grounds. My thanks to the following persons: Curator Cornelis van der Bas, Junior Curator Leon van der Kuil, and Marketeer Jaël Buteijn. Many thanks for such a memorable and fascinating visit!
For information on visiting Huis Doorn, please go to: www.huisdoorn....
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.o...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Jaël Buteijn; A. Savin; Tony Webster,
The staff are doing incredible work preserving the uniforms. They all look new. Amazing.
Huis Doorn could in fact create a fully coloured catalogue of the entire collection and publish it for the general public and for the good of future generations.
I'd like to know the techniques they are employing for preserving the wool jackets. I have my Capote that I wear for my Mountain Man reenactments and it seems to just be getting more worn and threadbare! Any thoughts?
@@davidvaughn7752 Lots of mothballs!
@@Thomgxx100 Ok! Thanks. I try to put all my wool in those clear plastic bag hanging thingys... the uniforms of the Keizer are extraordinarily preserved! Moths and wool beatles are a constant battle. Obviously the curators are doing something right! 🤣🤣👍
@@davidvaughn7752
From a Bookbinding perspective we try to avoid NORMAL plastic , also my late wife used to ‘ hoover ‘ her clothes on a regular basis and also use cedar wood shavings ( hanging in a bag ) and Lavender oil .
Seemed to work as no trace of insects etc .
My honest thanks go out to our Dutch neighbours for preserving these relics of German history in pristine condition. How they manage to do it is beyond me. I love that his sweater and workgloves are preserved, too.
Thanks also to you, Dr. Felton, for taking us along!
The gloves and sweater give a real human perspective to one of the great historical figures.
The Kieser has despised his own people after the revolution (as his letters document), just as Germans mutually despised him for his imperialist loser wars, hungers they experienced due to his policies, while the next generations hate him for the most disastrous surrender conditions that birthed Hitler due to the level of humiliation and despair that fell onto the people.
So, while it is great that history is being preserved, we have to understand that the Willhelm II was about as bad as Hitler for Germany. In some ways, even worse because he was bad on his own, but also generated Hitler with all of the bad that he has caused.
I can't thank Huis Doorn staff enough for the way they've kept everything in such great condition. That visit must have been a real treat, Professor
The Dutch are a great people. They will always help you when they can.
👍🏼@@jonnyqwst
Wilhelm's passion for uniforms was of course not lost on his contemporaries, who of course joked about it: “Your majesty, a pipe burst in the shower room!” “Bring me my naval uniform.”
Sir, you are drowning. ''Bring me my U-Boat Admirals uniform''.
There was also a passion for uniforms by non-royal world leaders during WWII. Churchill, Chiang, Stalin, Hitler and Mussolini all wore uniforms on official and non-official duties. The only world leader I don't recall in uniform was FDR. Then again, he was the only world leader bound to a wheel chair.
@@neilmanhard1341hitler did not, stalin also. They had to adhere to the common man.
FDR at least had 2 arms that were equal in length @@neilmanhard1341
@@01Bouwhuis You may want to re-look at their photos. Hitler wore his wound badge and iron cross on a regular basis. And, the clothes they normally wore were certainly not a three-piece Brooks Brother suit.
For a historian like yourself Doctor Felton seeing a collection like this must have made you feel as if you walked into Ali Baba's cave! Just incredible!
Fabulous collection! You are a lucky man Dr. Felton! Thanks for sharing with us.
Who’s cave?
@@goldenfiberwheat238 Ali Baba. Google him.
@@goldenfiberwheat238 Ali Baba, protagonist of the tale Ali Baba and the forty thieves
Fantastic video mark! Even though I work there, these facts still amaze me. While guiding you around it was also my first time seeing these uniforms up close and so intimately. We as Huis Doorn would like to compliment you on these fantastic mini-docs. Everyone here is stoked beyond words for every new video.
Many thanks for your kind comments and for giving me such a memorable day!
These videos have made it mandatory for me to visit Huis Doorn some time
@@theonlymadmac4771 We'd be glad to welcome you at our museum!
An amazing wardrobe that really should be at least occasionally displayed. Thanks for the show, Doctor.
It belongs in a museum. Sure thing Indy.
It IS in a museum...
as a maker of historical mens suits I simply loved this, I wish it were on display.
As a Chilean, it's amazing to see this old German/Prussian uniforms and contrast them with the ones in our army. Thank you, Dr. Felton
He has a video on just that
I have an old German WW2 officer's coat/jacket in my closet, here in the US. It hangs at the very back. It's a grey/green color I believe. With a darker collar & green tabs around the collar with 2 sets of lines. Has straight shoulder tabs and a braided thing on one side, going under the underarm and back up.
I haven't looked at it in a long time so I don't recall exactly what it looks like(edit: I just went and looked at it. Described above). I do remember that when you put your hand in one of the pockets, there's a secret hole going through to an inner breast dagger pocket where one could grab their dagger without it being known by anyone around.
When I was in middle school, grade 7, I had a book report on Adolf. We were supposed to dress up and give a speech in front of the class. My mom wanted me to wear the jacket and dress up as him. I refused. This was around 1993 or 94. Not only because of the subject matter of the jacket but because I hated speaking in class. Especially in front, at a podium. I skipped class that day and got an F. Almost failed the entire semester and I was an A/B student. I had to modify my report card the whole year after that so they wouldn't see the D that I got on my report card lol
Because that jacket hangs in the dark and never sees the light of day, it looks exactly as it did 30 years ago. I'm not so sure about how acceptable it is to have this sort of stuff, though. It's been in my family since my grandfather came home from the war. 🤷 Yes it's real. You can see the proof when you open it. Reproductions don't look like this.
So fascinating to see how a former royal lived and clung to his old traditions. I also reckon the British royals have just as large a crazy wardrobe of various military uniforms. They probably have uniforms in Buckingham Palace of regiments that no longer exist. Which, considering the various defense cuts of the last decades, are probably a lot.
I was on guard duty at the HCR barracks in Windsor. I do remember a German exchange officer arrived at the front gate once and I was tasked with escorting him to the officers mess (not a place I visited often) We both entered and there prominent in the foyer was a grand portrait of the Kaiser! The look on the young officers face was priceless! I handed him over to the mess manager, saluted and departed.
'HCR' = Household Cavalry Regiment? why on earth would there be a grand portrait of the kaiser in the foyer at Windsor in our time?
@@embreis2257Indeed! Why?
@@embreis2257because he's family?? After all he was Victoria's grandson
@@embreis2257 Briefly Colonel in Chief (ceremonial position) of a cavalry regiment, The 1st Royal Dragoons… I believe. Bit sketchy on regimental history but then again I was a “tin” 😆 I was as surprised as he was
@@jamespfitzKaiser Wilhelm II was once Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Royal Dragoons before the war. The Royal Dragoons amalgamated with the Royal Horse Guards to form the Blues and Royals.
As always, you never fail to disappoint!
I think the Kaisers most powerful uniform was his woolen sweater. Why? Well no one wants to say "no." to a Grandfather/Opa. 😂
*This was a joke.* Although they had their problems, I very much appreciate the Kaisers.
Over a century has passed and these uniforms are in pretty great condition, that’s impressive!
This series on Kaiser Wilhelm II "closet" is absolutely fascinating! The state of preservation of the uniforms is amazing. The access you were given has allowed all of us a rare glimpse into the daily life of a fallen Emperor.
Thank you for another amazing learning moment...
I am fascinated by the Kaiser, such an interesting story and character. He bridged two centuries and saw two world wars and such drastic changes in his nation, whilst being related to the royal family of his enemies.
They did incredible work preserving these artifacts. I’m shocked there’s so much here that still exists. It’s nice to see it hasn’t been split up through various museums.
Or sold to various private collectors
Funny... I was at Castle Hohenzollern just today... Magnificent structure, a siege on that place would have been a nightmare for the enemy... If you haven't had the chance, visit it!
Another TH-cam masterpiece! Personally, I find Wilhelm II very fascinating because he had a broken and checkered biography, because on the one hand he was very modern, a multimedia emperor, on the other hand completely addicted to the bizarre Prussian value system. He wept publicly at Queen Victoria's funeral and was in deep mourning. He invited Mark Twain. He held a beer night for his "friends" once a week. His Jewish friends were also particularly important to him. He was faithful (for nothing). He wanted to do a lot right and he did a lot wrong.
Kaiser Wilhelm II was unquestionably an exceedingly complex and fascinating individual. I often wonder how different he (and history) might have been if he'd experienced a normal birth.
Another reason that is often overlooked for his resentfulness to the British was their hostility to the German Navy, because in their eyes no other power on Earth had a reason to possess a navy that could challenge them, combined with the Victorian British belief that they were the most moral country in the world and that anyone that challenged their interests was an enemy of humanity.
@@williammerkel1410This is true, and in fact he was goaded - if not actually taunted - by the Royal Navy, for decades.
Oh really?@@williammerkel1410
"He was faithful"
Certainly not to his wife.
This is really amazing! The uniforms look so new and are in a great condition, like they were untouched. It is especially impressive to see Wilhelm II. actually wearing them. In exile he was photographed with civilian clothing too, are his (civilian) suits also stored at House Doorn?
This is going to sound crazy, but with all the troubling things going on in the world today, I know I can turn to Mark Felton as a form of escapism. What he and his production team do is to help me take my mind off things if only for few minutes. Thanks Mark.
Ever more fascinating. I wonder if it would be possible for Mark to eventually issue "omnibus" editions of some of his videos. I am thinking especially of his 3 parter on Himmler and this fascinating series on Wilhem II would seem to warrant this eventually.
As an aside, does anyone notice a resemblance between the Kaiser and George VI. This first struck me when I purchased a silver 5 Mark coin.
Also, many years ago the BBC broadcast an interview with the Kaiser and it was noticeable how closely his voice resembled his cousin, George V. He, the Kaiser, also spoke English with no trace of a German accent.
Those batons are stunning. I've always had a fascination with high military ranks and Germany has had some very interesting ones.
As usual, another fascinating and straight to the point video Mark. The sad fact in addition to this, of course, is that this kind of love of uniform and militarism led in great part to millions of dead and wounded in WW1.
Here in a small town near me I have held a hat belonging to Wilhelm's brother; Henry I believe. The people even had a photograph of him in uniform. A real fascinating piece of proud history.
Hats off (no pun intended) to the people who recognized the potential historical significance of his clothing. By saving and maintaining them we can enjoy this glimpse of history 80 years after his death. And a tip of hat to you for using modern technology, in the formof TH-cam, to bring these treasures to the world. A fascinating look into the past.
Mark, I have eagerly been awaiting this 2nd part video of the Kaisers uniforms and you did not disappoint!! What an incredible collection that is hardly ever shown to the public. The access you had was unprecedented and can only be attributed to your ability at gaining access to difficult locations and artifacts. As a collector of German war memorabilia I was completely enthralled at what you were able to view.
I was wondering if you wouldn't mind commenting on how they preserved and stored the tunics? Were they in cloth bags with zippers or a plastic material? I noticed most of the medals were stored with muslin cloth. I would love to hear some feedback.
Thanks Mark for this! My youngest 20 year old son likes ww1 items. When he was 13 he saw a US 82nd Ww1 painted helmet with uniform, mask, photos and medals, the soldiers paperwork and he asked for that for his birthday. So I obtained it for him. Amazing. His grandad was in the 3rd in ww1!
Thank you Mark. These are terrific little films and SO informative. I thoroughly enjoy your channel and all your content, and I look forward to the next episode. Long May you continue!
This collection is incredible. I am as fascinated by this as I was when visiting the Hofburg in Vienna and seeing the huge royal china collection of the Habsburgs. Thank you so much, Mark, for sharing this with the rest of the world.
Is the Hofburg nice?
@@CatnamedMittens Very much worth a visit. Vienna as a city is too.
@@kimwit1307 nice, thanks.
@@CatnamedMittens Not really. The palace itself is dark and disappointing. The China collectio0n, on the other hand, is spectacular.
This series by the illustrious Dr. Felton simply takes my breath away. Thank you so much dear sir for all your efforts in making them. Many thanks to the museum administration of the house of Dorn for making them possible 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
I could barely keep up with all the gear, emblems and honors. Wow! What a life - surrounded by men in uniform, historically unique and rare positioned people and the never ending flow of diplolamats, gifts and correspondence.
First, thank you again, Dr Felton for bringing this collection to our attention. The collection is obviously priceless, for the quality, history, and careful preservation. The staff is doing a fantastic job, which will be enjoyed for generations into the future.
Your vid really gives an appreciation for how much the royal houses of Europe are interrelated. Victoria and Albert spread their seed far and wide. It makes the horrors of WWI even more tragic. At its most basic level, WWI was a bunch of royal relatives fighting through proxies - the young male citizens of their respective countries forever wasted in the muddy battlefields of Europe.
You could do a four hour video on every topic: and I'd watch every second of it. On a side note it's interesting to see the jackets on the hanger and just how short Wilhelms left arm was, versus seeing photos of him wearing the same jacket and just how good he was at hiding it.
This is facinating Mark!
As usual, thank you for sharing with us! After 24 years in the U.S. Army, I am retiring, with my final assignment being here in Germany. You have intellecutally enriched me the past four years I've been living here and I could not have asked for better professor of military history during this assignment. Thank you for improving my knowledge base and enhancing my understanding as an amateur military historian. Although we will return stateside soon, I will return to Europe with my family so we can continue our studies; in the meantime, I will continue to watch and learn from your videos.
Allow me to get my feet under me in my retirement career and I may finally have the funds to support your patreon account! 😉 Until now, I have just supported you by buying your books....all of which I've enjoyed.
Keep up the good work, my friend!
A great many thanks for your kind words, and best of luck for the future!
Another great insight into the Kaiser historical artefacts. Thanks Mark.
So much has gone missing, destroyed or simply vanished from history. I never knew this collection of the Kaiser existed today, till Mark showed it to me. Thank you for that Mark, incredible work, as we've come to expect. But my thanks also goes out to the conservators who keep this collection pristine, and to whomever, private funding or the government, that supports their work. This is history, not just the written word but tangible artifacts, from an age that made our world today. Thank you again Mark for sharing this amazing story with us. Your efforts are much appreciated.
It is awesome that Mark Felton Productions' reputation as a respected historian entity has granted this access to such an incredible, historical archive.
I have been interested in the Kaiser for years and had the pleasure of finally visiting Huis Doorn 6 weeks ago. It was wonderful, everything I had read about this fascinating, complex and frustrating man seemed to come to life. Oh to have seen the collection of helmets and uniforms.
It's nice to see that these historical items were and continue to be well preserved, with the collection remaining intact
The sheer amount of dedication, effort and hard work you consistently put in to making these masterpieces of education can never be overstated enough. Thank you on behalf of everyone who enjoys learning in such an awesome way.
Thank you dr Felton for your very generous comments about the staff at Huis Doorn. As I mentioned with an earlier episode, their budget must be really tight. To see the collection in such a beautiful condition should make us all very humble.
These are some of the most interesting videos you’ve done. Absolutely riveting!
I’m curious as to your knowledge of his personality. I’m sure he changed over time but have you done any videos about what kind of person he was? I’m happy to accept contributions from others as well.
This is an interesting question. By many accounts Kaiser Wilhelm II played a key role in events leading to WW1 and, arguably, subsequently WW2.
@@Steve-GM0HUUI had an opportunity to view the telegram correspondence between him and his cousin the Czar. In those communications he came across to me as insolent and unwilling to do much to avoid war. I’m curious to know what others know and if those around him ever commented on this time in his life and what he was like growing up.
A privilege we are all appreciative of having , this viewing of the uniforms. I’ve noticed the length of the left sleeve, being shortened. An interesting insight to the man’s personal life. Thank you to all involved in this production.
Huis Doorn combines two of my most favorite subjects--WW II and Audrey Hepburn!! You are soooo lucky to be able to gain access! Thank you for sharing your good fortune and knowledge!
Thanks for the episode. I visited huis doorn last Thursday. It was indeed crammed with great pieces of history. Sad that they don’t show it all. Great that it is possible to see part of it via this video.
As much as I appreciate the historical value of everything in this video, my favorite items were the gloves. I don't know why, but knowing that someone as wealthy and important as him was walking around with patched up gloves is really interesting.
Makes sense him wearing the army surplus uniforms up until his death, it saved him time and money running down to the shops buying clothing, what with him being out of work and all.
Many thanks, Dr. Felton; this series on Kaiser Wilhelm II's possessions is most interesting - especially the sweater and gloves at 11:25. I cannot help but wonder how the Kaiser was able to hold his baton in his *left* hand at 09:54.
The Kaiser did have limited use of his left arm, I've seen some films of him with the arm in motion.
@@wayneantoniazzi2706 Thank you! 👍
@@schroedingersdog7965 You're welcome!
Fascinating work Doctor! I love the on the ground reporting!
Mark, Did the Kaiser have an occasion to wear his uniforms while in exile?
Regimental birthdays, battle anniversaries, or just because he wanted to.
For you, it had to be like a child let loose in a candy store. Most of that stuff is well over 100 years old, yet thru the years there was a lot of devotion in keeping those things in near pristine condition and intact. It speaks well of those that tended to it. As for the Order of the Garter, I think it should have never been rescinded. World War I occurred for many reasons, the Ider that it all on just one person Kaiser Wilhelm is a bit of a stretch to me. A lot of bad decisions were made going back decades before August 1914!
If anyone is to blame for WW1, it's the British, particularly during the Edwardian era. They were the ones that declined every opportunity for cooperation in the name of maintaining their monopoly on trade and colonies.
As I understand it the Order Of The Garter is held on the favor of the British monarch and can be rescinded at any time. It usually isn't but on the death of the holder the insignias of the Order are supposed to be retuned to the Crown. Obviously that didn't happen with Kaiser Bill's.
Thank you so much for sharing this video and explaining on the uniforms! I love your channel and videos so much ❤❤
Thank you for educating us. I always look forward to Watch your videos.
Thank you for making these videos about the kaiser I’ve always been fascinated about the last emperor of Germany!
If they ever make a movie about the Kaiser, they need to call Mads Mikkelsen to play the role.
Its always a great day when a Mark Felton notification pops up❤❤
Yet another riveting video by the good doctor, excellent work
Priceless.
Myself, I am a retired US Army Field Artillery Lieutenant Colonel. 3x deployments to Iraq.
I am jealous of your career. Too bad history is no longer held in high regard in the USA I am sad to report.
Love these videos so interesting. If only the Kaiser had not been quite so impetuous and on his yacht, maybe WW1 (which sowed the seeds of WW2) might have been avoided especially considering the family connections inherent in much of European Royalty. Unfortunately his militaristic outlook, naval build-up coupled with the feelings of assertiveness, resentment because of his withered arm, I guess eventually something was going to develop one way or another as long as he remained Kaiser.
What a staggering collection! Thank you Mark for bringing this to us.
Dr Felton…what happened to the Hess series you were said to release? ❤
In conversation with my son yesterday I told him it has been too long since my last tour at a museum. Thank you for sharing Dr Felton.
So many occupations! The Kaiser was in a sense, the Barbie of his day (but note: no uniforms in pink)!
He wasn't the only one
Fabulous tailoring, Mark. All those little hand-sewn bar tacks to hold the medals and uniform decorations are something one doesn't often see. I was particularly interested in the starched shirt, fascinating.
Those red lapels are from a German General or field marschall for sure.
Thank you, thank you Dr. Felton. I don't know why but I have a special affinity for batons and this was certainly a special treat. Always such impressive work.
makes sense. he's one of those guys you can't imagine in a different style of outfit. did they have any uniform styled pajamas or bathrobes there?
Excellent video! Kaiser Wilhelm II was a fascinating if complicated figure. Things like uniforms, helmets, emblems, flags, swords, coats of arms, etc. have alway interested me, so this is the kind of content for which I come here!
One small nitpick regarding a slight error that stood out to me right away: Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary was the first of his name. Sadly, there was never to be a Franz Josef II. 😊 🇦🇹 🇭🇺
The Kaiser sure loved to dress up, who wouldn't if they had such magnificent uniforms. Thank you for giving us this look into the Kaiser's life.
An excellent breakdown Dr. Felton, I do hope you shall continue this series.
Yeee
Now this is what I call a blast from the past!!! It's amazing these objects still survive and in such pristine condition. I often wondered what happened to the car fleets of the Imperial German, Russian and Austro-Hungarian monarchs. I hope you can do some videos on this subject. There are many videos out there on surviving WW2 vehicles but nothing on WW1. This could be another series for you to make.
I'm imagining Nelson Muntz from The Simpsons peeking through the window of Wilhelm's resting place, pointing at his bad arm and going HA-HA, only to see the Kaiser angrily rise fromvhis sleep.
And now Germany has the "pirate of Brussels" Ursula von der Leyen and the girly-man Olaf Scholz running the show. LOL.
I’m glad you showed the one shoulder jacket, Was this just got show? It cannot be practical.
That jacket is awesome
Such pageantry for those who will never realize actual battle.
There are those who collect objects and there are those who collect actual memories of war.
Absolutely fascinating.
Respect your material.
Very informative video, Mark. I think it's interesting that many of the world leaders have perfect dress uniforms, but their everyday clothes are (a lot of times) patched and darned. Some that come to mind are Hitler's favorite coats, Prince Phillip's threadbare and patched jackets and pants and Queen Elizabeth II's favorite headscarves and jackets. Hearing about the condition of their "comfy" clothes always made more of a connection with me.
Incredible content. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Very good work by you and the Huis Doorn curators, Doc! (PS: Does anyone know whether he has any videos about the Protectorate of Bohemia-Moravia? That might be a good subject of a video)
mark do a video on Gottfried Graf von Bismarck-Schönhausen and how he survived being a July 20th plotter only because of his famous name and many powerful connections. while others were executed he was sent to a concentration camp and survived the war.
One fact that many overlook, is how hated this man was, outside of Central Europe, or outside of the Axis, if you prefer. Evil incarnate was how he was described by many of his day. Speaking strictly from a historical viewpoint, These videos are worth their weight in gold, as politics and the opinions of the general population are set aside, while we focus on The Man and his lifestyle. You efforts are greatly appreciated Dr. Felton.
Wouldn't you love to hear Mark say "The Kaiser's medals are laid lovingly in the inside of my coat pocket, where they'll be displayed in my safe deposit box the moment I get home."
Just breathtaking I’m so impressed by your knowledge and historical perspective all I can say thank you.
Thank you SO Much for sharing with us. This is the BEST history class!!
As per usual, amazing, interesting and easy-to-understand content! Thank you for sharing, Mark.
This video must have taken a great deal of effort; the result is fantastic. Your dedication is greatly appreciated!
You could make one hell of an exhibit with al this stuff and it deserves it. I wonder if Huis Doorn could do a collaboration with the Hermitage in Amsterdam or something for this. I would visit for sure!
Another fantastic video Mark. Thanks very much for the information you supply and the way you are able to do it.👏👏👏👏
Can you do a series on Wilhelm's Father, Kaiser Friedrich? His is the most intriguing "what if" story in the history the German Empire.
Thanks for this fascinating overview. Did I miss a remark about all his uniforms and clothing? The left sleeve is a bit shorter compared with the right one because of his handicap. It’s more visible at his child clothes.
If he was a British field Marshall and the RAF attack that was supposed to assassinate him had worked, would the crew have committed mutiny?
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Excellent channel,I watch every episode.
Hello from Las Vegas Nevada 🇺🇸
Its like a sick joke of an overly entitled and entirely under-qualified rich boy playing Army.
My great grandfather had medals that bear a very close resemblance to some of those seen in this video. I as a very young child I had no idea what any of them were or that they even were medals, I had no knowledge of such things, I just remember they were kept in a wooden cigar box on the mantlepiece, I recall that some of them had the Maltese cross shape with blue enamel on them and very pretty watered silk ribbons. This was in Berlin not long after WW2 had ended.
The starched shirt under the uniform, to keep the clothing pristine with no creases - Marlene Dietrich had a similar garment for some of her film clothes. One particular dress looked incredible on her, but leant to other women it resembled a shiny sack of potatoes.
The video makes me wonder whether the old man knew how many uniforms he had!
The whole wardrobe is fascinating.
I'm beyond amazed that no clothing moth has attacked the clothes. Those bastards should be eradicated just like mosquitoes. #deathtobugs
Bravo. Excellent video. Hard to imagine what it must have been like for Willy, raised in unimaginable luxury, his cousins on the throne of Great Britain and Russia, socialising with the crowned heads of Europe and embracing the traditional militarism of Prussia.
The patched gloves are awesome.
Nowadays we’ve lost the art of mending things we care about. I have a WW1 Royal Navy officer’s boat cloak which had clearly been of enormous importance to its owner - the lining had been patched and mended in much the same way as the Kaiser’s gloves and jumper.
Excellent! The Marshals Batons show the exceptional work of the Jewelers who designed them; most particularly the Admirals Baton.
I never knew that Kaiser Wilhelm was a Field Marshal in the British Army. He looks sharp but it must have made WWI rather awkward!
Once my organization had international guests and we took them to an exclusive dinner in a former garden shed or stable on the estate of the Kaiser in Doorn.
Especially the Germans among our guest were impressed! 😊