Thank you, Brad. But I have one question . . . would the device shown be used on all staff cars or only the Emperor's or his family?
Al
Good question, I'll have to research that one (though others here may know or have access to their resources before I can get to mine).
I suspect that it would have been on all staff cars belonging to army corps that were counted as part of the various Prussian army corps, and that the one Bavarian corps may have had the Bavarian arms on their cars. I think that staff cars would also have carried pennants or small standards, mounted on the fenders, to further indicate the specific corps and even division, when appropriate.
Also, the Kaiser would have had a standard bearer accompany him, from the
Leibgendarmerie*, carrying his imperial standard, and even his standard as King of Prussia. The Empress also had a personal standard, and so did members of all of the princely houses.
I have some books at home that are likely to include this info, so I'll check tonight when I get back.
Prost!
Brad
(*The
Leibgendarmes wore a uniform that included a helmet like the cuirassiers wore, with an eagle finial. But the eagle was of a different style from the Gardes du Corps' eagle, and their helmet's peak/visor had a point to it, instead of a straight leading edge. There are pictures of the Kaiser visiting the front, that show his
Leibgendarme, in the dress tunic (
Waffenrock), even while the Kaiser wears field grey. Also, in the old Strombecker toy soldier kit, "The Battle of Liege", one of the two standing officer figures represents a
Leibgendarme)
