The Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr. 119 embodied one of the most tradition-rich formations of the Württemberg Army, with a history extending from 1806 to 1919. The regiment bore its honorary name after the Russian Grand Duchess Olga Nikolajewna Romanova, wife of King Karl I of Württemberg. In 1864, Queen Olga was appointed regimental chief, an honor reflected in the cipher on the shoulder straps of the uniforms. Following the conclusion of the Military Convention with the North German Confederation of 21/25 November 1870, the regiment received the designation 1st Württemberg Infantry Regiment Königin Olga on 2 October 1871, distinguishing it from troops of other German states. The final spelling and numbering on 14 December 1874 became Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr. 119. In 1914, the regiment was garrisoned at Stuttgart as part of the XIII Army Corps.
The dark blue Waffenrock represents the pre-1910 parade uniform style that continued in use alongside the field gray M1910 uniform introduced for field service. An Allerhöchste Kabinettsorder of 28 February 1910 announced the release of the new German Feldgrau uniform, known as the M1907/10 Waffenrock. The new uniform was intended for field use only, and the old Dunkelblau uniforms were maintained for all other occasions. This ensemble as a private purchase item dates from circa 1910 and embodies this transitional phase in German uniform history.
The particular significance of this ensemble lies in its association with a Fahnenträger (color bearer), a position that combined ceremonial prestige with military responsibility. Color bearers of the foot troops were appointed by regimental commanders and received special insignia and equipment. According to the Allerhöchste Kabinettsorder of 15 June 1898, the arm badge, Ringkragen, and Fahnenträger sidearm were introduced. The color bearer wore a badge on the tunic, a gorget which was to be worn on every duty where the helmet is worn, and a special sidearm unless they wore the officers' sidearm. Color bearers appeared even when the colors were not carried, without a rifle and with sheathed sidearm.
The Württemberg sleeve badge for color bearers displayed the crowned cipher W with crossed Württemberg flags on a dark blue cloth base. The Ringkragen (gorget), an extremely rare item for Württemberg color bearers, was manufactured in gilt construction with applied crossed Württemberg flags and crowned cipher W. This ensemble displays the characteristic features of a non-commissioned officer serving as color bearer: the gold NCO braiding on collar and cuffs identifies the rank, while the white guard lace on collar and cuffs emphasizes the special status of the regiment. The shooting cord 3rd class with three suspended acorns on the right shoulder documents the wearer's marksmanship proficiency.
The special sidearm for color bearers, with its double-grooved blade and brass hilt bearing the Württemberg coat of arms, differed from regular infantry sidearms. The grip with sharkskin and wire wrapping, along with the attached NCO tassel, completed the ceremonial equipment. If a Fahnenträger held the rank of Vizefeldwebel, he would continue to wear the Infantry officers' sword IOD 89 instead.
The tunic features the characteristic dark blue wool with red standing collar and cuffs, red piping on the button placket, and eight tombac buttons. The red shoulder straps bear the gold embroidered cipher O for Queen Olga, while large tombac coat-of-arms buttons with the Württemberg arms adorn the collar. The Württemberg sleeve badge for color bearers is sewn on the right sleeve, marking the wearer's ceremonial function. The sidearm blade measures approximately 2.4 cm in width and 58 cm in length, with a total length of approximately 75 cm including the hilt. The black leather scabbard features brass fittings appropriate to the ceremonial nature of the weapon.
The tradition of the regiment was taken over in the Reichswehr after World War I, but the regiment itself ceased to exist in 1919 following the end of the war and the dissolution of the German Imperial Army. Dark blue parade uniforms were replaced during World War I and were no longer used after 1918. This ensemble thus represents not only the military splendor of the Wilhelmine era but also the end of a centuries-long uniform tradition.
