Prussian Uhlan Officer-Pattern Ulanka Tunic with Red Parade Plastron

A dark blue Ulanka (Uhlan cavalry tunic) with red collar, cuffs, piping, and a button-on red parade plastron, apparently of Prussian officer pattern. The metallic shoulder fittings support this attribution, but the epaulettes are absent and the wearer’s rank cannot presently be established. The red facings, yellow-metal buttons, and plain collar are consistent with several Prussian line Uhlan regiments; they do not identify a single regiment. The tunic appears to belong to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, consistent with its traditional colored cavalry dress and construction, although no securely readable date is observed.

The dark blue wool body is closely tailored through the waist and finished with a standing collar and red pointed cuffs. Red piping follows the front opening, lower edge, shoulder seams, and curved rear seams. The broad red breast panel narrows toward the waist and fastens over two rows of plain, domed yellow-metal buttons, with an additional fastening at either upper corner. Unbuttoning the panel reveals the dark blue front beneath. At the back, shaped pocket flaps, red edging, and paired buttons continue the fitted cavalry silhouette.

Both shoulders retain Passanten (epaulette retaining loops) of patterned metallic braid with red cloth edging, together with plain shoulder buttons and small attachment fittings. These loops were intended to secure epaulettes rather than serve as complete rank insignia in themselves. Their braid appears consistent with officer-pattern fittings, but its darkened condition prevents a confident reading of all thread colors. No epaulettes, shoulder boards, or identifying regimental devices accompany the tunic.

The Ulanka reflects the Polish origins of the Uhlan uniform: a close-fitting lancer’s coat with a distinctive breast front and pointed cuffs. In the Imperial German army, the Uhlans formed part of the cavalry alongside hussars, dragoons, and cuirassiers. The Paraderabatte (button-on parade facing) added the regiment’s facing color across the breast for formal dress. Epaulettes carried further identifying distinctions, making their absence significant when attributing a surviving tunic. This example’s red facings and yellow-metal buttons fit more than one Prussian line regiment, including the color combinations used by Regiments Nos. 1 through 4; none is asserted as its original unit.

Inside is a gray-green lining with contrasting dark blue sections and striped sleeve lining. A worn dark ink marking is present on the reverse of the red breast panel. Its lettering cannot presently be transcribed confidently, and it is not assigned to a maker, owner, or regiment. No legible tailor’s label or documented ownership history has been established. Measurements taken flat are approximately 17½ inches from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 23½ inches from shoulder seam to cuff, and 27½ inches down the back from the base of the collar to the hem.

Condition shows wear to the wool and red facings, with scattered small holes, localized thinning, discoloration, and fraying around the collar and plastron edges. The buttons have uneven darkening, surface marks, and finish wear. The metallic shoulder braid is tarnished and worn, with loose threads and frayed cloth edging. The interior lining has substantial deterioration, including splits, holes, open seams, missing sections, exposed underlying material, and scattered stitching repairs. The lining damage is a material condition issue even though the exterior retains a coherent display appearance. The tunic is incomplete without its epaulettes; no claim of untouched construction is made.

An example for the collector studying Imperial German lancer dress, particularly the relationship between the dark blue tunic, contrasting parade facing, and epaulette attachments. Its retained red breast panel and piped rear construction preserve the characteristic Uhlan outline, while the missing insignia and damaged lining remain central to its identification and value.