Prussia Shoulder Strap Cloth for Enlisted Men's Greatcoat of Füsilier-Regiment Königin (Schleswig-Holsteinisches) Nr. 86

The presented shoulder strap cloth insignia represents one of the characteristic uniform components of the Prussian Army during the era of the German Empire. This particular specimen originates from the Füsilier Regiment “Königin” (Schleswig-Holsteinisches) Nr. 86 and dates to around 1900, an epoch when Prussian military tradition reached its zenith.

The Füsilier Regiment Nr. 86 was established on October 1, 1860, as the 5th Schleswig Infantry Regiment and was initially stationed in Flensburg. Following the incorporation of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein into the Prussian state after the Second Schleswig War of 1864, the regiment became part of the Prussian Army. In 1867, it received the designation Schleswig-Holstein Füsilier Regiment Nr. 86. The special honor of bearing the name “Königin” (Queen) referred to Queen Auguste Viktoria, consort of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who served as the regiment's chef.

The shoulder straps were essential identification elements of military rank hierarchy and unit affiliation in the Prussian army. They were worn on the coats and tunics of soldiers and served for rapid identification of regiment and rank. The dark blue cloth of the base color corresponded to the branch color of the infantry, which was standardized throughout the Prussian Army. The red embroidery of the regimental number “86” formed a distinct contrast to the blue background and was characteristic of this regiment.

According to the uniform regulations of the Prussian Army, shoulder straps for enlisted men were made of cloth, while non-commissioned officers and officers wore more elaborate variants with metal braid. The version for enlisted men presented here was correspondingly simpler but still carefully crafted. The embroidery of the regimental number was typically executed in the Vorsteckfarbe (facing color) of the respective regiment. For Füsilier Regiment Nr. 86, this was red, which was also reflected in other uniform details such as collar piping.

The shoulder strap insignia manufactured around 1900 document a time of relative stability in uniform development. After the major reforms of the 1840s and minor adjustments following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, the basic design of Prussian uniforms remained largely unchanged until World War I. The form of shoulder strap presented here corresponded to the provisions of the Allerhöchste Kabinetts-Order (AKO) of March 28, 1843, and its subsequent amendments.

Füsilier Regiment Nr. 86 had its garrison in Flensburg and belonged to the IX Army Corps based in Altona. The regiment's soldiers were recruited mainly from the Schleswig-Holstein population. The regiment participated in the Franco-Prussian War and was later stationed at various locations in the region. The close connection to the region and to the Queen as regimental chef strengthened the identity and esprit de corps of the unit.

The manufacture of such uniform items was carried out partly by military tailoring establishments and partly by civilian suppliers who worked according to precise military specifications. The quality of embroidery and color fastness of the materials used had to meet stringent requirements. The cloth used was durable and designed to withstand the demands of military service.

As a collector's item, this shoulder strap insignia documents the material culture of the Prussian Army and the careful regulation of all aspects of military appearance. The regimental number as an identity-forming element was of enormous importance for soldiers' self-perception and the military order of the imperial army. Such objects are today important sources for uniform studies (uniformology) and military history research, as they represent authentic testimonies of the material equipment and organizational structures of historical German military institutions.