Imperial German Garde-Schützen-Bataillon Photo Album – I. Kompanie 1905–1907 – Named to Heinrich Warch

Imperial German Garde-Schützen-Bataillon Photo Album – I. Kompanie 1905–1907 – Named to Heinrich Warch

This exceptional, regimental photo album documents the military service of Heinrich Warch, a Gardeschütze (rifleman in the elite Garde-Schützen-Bataillon), during his time in the 1. Kompanie from 1905 to 1907. The Garde-Schützen-Bataillon was a prestigious light infantry unit in the Prussian Army, originally raised in 1860 and composed largely of highly educated conscripts from elite circles, including university students, artists, and musicians. Its members often formed an intellectual elite within the Imperial military structure.

Physical Description

• Size: Approx. 14 x 9 x 1.5 inches (landscape orientation)

• Binding: Hard green cloth boards with gold detailing; embossed front cover with regimental flag and crowned monogram, denoting the Prussian King Wilhelm II.

• Page Material: Gray-black photo-mounting paper with olive green framing; pages are thick, matte-finished stock—not velvet, but of premium archival quality.

• Edge Finish: Gold-gilded page edges

• Closure Mechanism: Functional working metal clasp

• Condition: Moderate wear to exterior corners and spine; interior pages intact with some age toning and edge fraying. Photographs remain crisp and well-preserved.

Contents

• Dedication Page (translated):
  “To the Gardeschütze Heinrich Warch, in remembrance of his time of service with the 1st Company of the Garde-Schützen-Bataillon, dedicated by his comrades.”
  The header also features a French phrase: “Vive le roi et ses chasseurs!” — “Long live the King and his riflemen!”
  This multilingual sentiment reflects the cultivated, cosmopolitan character of the unit, which often served ceremonial and diplomatic roles in Berlin and abroad.

• Photo Quantity: Approximately 40 photographs mounted throughout 20 pages.

  • Group Portraits: Several large-scale images of troops in formation and at leisure in wooded or outdoor training environments.

  • Barracks & Facilities: Panoramic photos of buildings and military compounds—likely the unit’s garrison in Berlin.

  • Individual Portraits: Posed officer and enlisted portraits, with detailed dress uniform, Pickelhauben, and parade gear.

  • Sport & Ceremony: Multiple photos depict organized events, possibly Schützenfest or regimental competitions.

Notable Features

• Flag Insignia: The cover’s regimental flag matches the style used by the Prussian Garde-Schützen-Bataillon, notably incorporating the Preußisches Wappen (Prussian eagle) and royal cipher.

• Document Inserted (translated):
  A period letter placed inside the album contains handwritten German script on embossed company stationery, with header:
  “K. Compagnie – Garde-Schützen-Bataillon – Berlin”
  The letter appears to be a farewell or testimonial message to Warch, likely written by a fellow comrade or officer. Full transcription and translation available upon request.

• Photographer Attribution: Multiple photographs are backstamped or inscribed “Carl Scherz, Berlin”.

  • Carl Scherz was a documented professional photographer active in Berlin during the early 20th century. He was known for military and formal portraiture, often contracted by the royal court or high-ranking officers. His association enhances both the artistic and historical value of this album.

Historical Significance

The Garde-Schützen-Bataillon was unique in the Imperial German Army. Unlike line infantry, these soldiers were selected for intellect, physical fitness, and marksmanship. They trained with advanced rifles and were tasked with ceremonial duties in the capital, often accompanying the Kaiser’s events. By 1905–1907, the battalion was under intense pressure to modernize and increase readiness amid rising European tensions.

Albums like this served as commemorative gifts upon honorable discharge, and their personalized nature (especially with the inclusion of Warch’s name and original photograph) makes them extremely rare survivals. The use of French in the dedication reflects the Franco-Prussian War's lingering legacy and the cultured prestige expected of guardsmen.

Provenance & Collectability

• Directly attributed to a named soldier

• Fully intact with all mounted photographs

• Includes original farewell letter on embossed Garde-Schützen-Bataillon stationery

• Features rare images of the elite Berlin-based battalion in a peacetime setting

This album would make a centerpiece in any Imperial German or elite military photo archive, and is of particular interest to collectors focused on pre-WWI ceremonial units, Prussian militaria, or regimental photography.

Notable Attributes:

• Personal attribution,

• Complete condition,

• Regimental specificity,

• Inclusion of Carl Scherz photography, and

• Scarcity of Garde-Schützen material,

The price is well supported, based on market timing and seasonal auction interest in Imperial German photography collections condition and notable attributes.