These shoulder straps (Schulterstücke) represent a characteristic example of military rank insignia from the Kingdom of Prussia during the First World War. These epaulettes were worn by a Lieutenant (Leutnant) of Nachrichten-Abteilung 1 (Signals Battalion 1) and date to approximately 1915, a time when the German Army had already learned important lessons from the first months of the war.

The signals troops (Nachrichtentruppen) represented a relatively young branch within the Prussian and German Army. Only on October 1, 1899, were the first independent telegraph battalions established, which were later renamed signals battalions. With rapid technological progress in communications technology—from field telephony to wireless telegraphy to optical signaling equipment—the importance of these units grew exponentially. In World War I, the signals troops proved absolutely decisive for coordinating complex military operations.

The field-gray execution of these shoulder straps corresponds to the major uniform reform that the German Army carried out between 1907 and 1915. The traditional colorful peacetime uniforms were abandoned in favor of more practical and inconspicuous field uniforms. The characteristic field-gray (Feldgrau) color offered better camouflage properties in modern trench warfare. The field-gray metal fittings used here—instead of the earlier shiny silver or gold versions—underscore this development toward practicality.

The red piping (Paspelierung) and the green cloth base are particularly revealing for identifying the branch of service. The green branch color designated the signals and telegraph troops in the Prussian Army. This color coding enabled quick identification of an officer's branch on the battlefield. The red piping indicates a troop officer, as opposed to other assignments such as staff or medical officers.

The numeral “1” on the shoulder straps designates Nachrichten-Abteilung 1, which was originally assigned to the Prussian Guard. This unit had its peacetime garrison in Berlin and belonged to the most prestigious formations of the signals troops. During World War I, it was assigned to various army corps and saw action on several fronts.

The rank of Lieutenant was the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Prussian Army. Lieutenants typically commanded platoons of about 50 men or assumed special technical functions within their unit. In the signals troops, the position required special technical knowledge and often specialized training. The loops on these shoulder straps served to attach them to the tunic or field blouse and allowed for quick attachment and removal.

The dating to around 1915 is plausible for several reasons. By this time, the uniform reform had largely been implemented, and field-gray metal versions increasingly replaced older variants. Simultaneously, the German Army was expanding massively, and the signals troops were significantly reinforced as the importance of communications in modern warfare became ever more apparent.

Such shoulder straps were manufactured according to uniform regulations that precisely specified which colors, materials, and forms were to be used for each branch and rank. Production was carried out by specialized military and civilian military outfitters, with officers generally required to procure their uniform items themselves. This led to certain quality differences, with wealthier officers able to acquire higher-quality versions.

The preservation of a complete pair of shoulder straps is noteworthy, as individual pieces were frequently lost or separated. They represent an important military-historical artifact that provides insight into the organization, rank structure, and material culture of the German Army in World War I. For collectors and historians, such objects are of great value as they document the systematic army organization and technological specialization that characterized early 20th-century warfare.

The signals troops themselves underwent massive expansion during the war. What began as small specialized units grew into a comprehensive communications network essential for coordinating armies of millions. The technology evolved rapidly: from simple field telephones to sophisticated wireless stations, from carrier pigeons to early forms of radio interception. Officers like the lieutenant who wore these shoulder straps were at the forefront of this military-technical revolution, requiring both traditional military leadership skills and modern technical expertise.