Unteroffizier "Walking Out" Dress Uniform – Ulanen-Regiment Nr. 18 (Saxony) – Farrier – Nobility/Royalty

This is an exceptional and rare Unteroffizier "Walking Out" dress uniform ensemble from Königl. Sächs. 2. Ulanen-Regiment Nr. 18, one of Imperial Germany's elite Saxon cavalry regiments. The Kingdom of Saxony, along with Bavaria, Württemberg, and Prussia, was one of the four primary German kingdoms within the Imperial German Army. Saxon militaria is especially scarce due to its occupation by Russian and East German forces after World War II, making surviving uniforms like this incredibly difficult to find.

This uniform set consists of a privately purchased Ulanka (tunic) and matching trousers, crafted to the highest pre-WWI officer-grade quality using "doe-skin" wool. The deep medium-blue color was standard for Saxon Ulanen units, complemented by white piping and red accents. The interior is lined with heavy black silk, a feature reserved for officer-level tailoring.

Key Features & Regimental History

• Regiment: Königl. Sächs. 2. Ulanen-Regiment Nr. 18 (Founded in 1867)
• Garrisoned in: Leipzig (Capital of Saxony)
• Armeekorps Assignment: XIX. Armeekorps (Saxon Corps)

This uniform ensemble is of the "Walking Out" variety, meaning it was a special parade and off-duty uniform, reserved only for men of noble or high birth. Unlike standard dress tunics, the trousers feature a wide burgundy stripe, a distinct feature that was not available for ordinary enlisted men or One-Year Volunteers—it was a privilege of aristocratic lineage.

Distinctive Details & Rank Insignia

1. Unteroffizier Rank Insignia:

   • The uniform features brass Saxon-style epaulets, adorned with a large crowned insignia and retaining their original toning.
   • White and burgundy lance proficiency "V" badge on the right sleeve, signifying the wearer was an expert lancer, a crucial skill for Ulanen cavalry.

2. Farrier’s Gold-Embroidered Horseshoe (Left Sleeve):

   • Unlike standard white-trimmed insignia, this gold-threaded horseshoe indicates that the wearer was a chief farrier—an esteemed position responsible for the care of cavalry horses.
   • The gold embroidery suggests noble or royal connections, as most farriers had white insignia rather than gilded versions.

3. Officer-Quality Construction:

   • Hand-stitched collar trim in white and burgundy.
   • Gilt-toned buttons with a Saxon regimental design.
   • Fine wool construction, a material used only in high-end pre-war uniforms.

Trousers & Provenance

The matching trousers retain original white silk lining, with three pockets, including a small coin pocket, another hallmark of a high-born officer or nobleman. The buttons are hallmarked "A. Haacke – Oschatz 1. S.", verifying their authenticity.

This uniform dates from approximately 1895-1910, based on the absence of provisions for wartime medals or ribbons, indicating it was retired before the transition to feldgrau (field gray) uniforms in the lead-up to WWI.

Condition:

• Near mint Ulanka with no moth tracking or damage.
• Trousers have two minor moth nips on the left leg, present since acquisition 40 years ago.
• Well-preserved, with original epaulets, buttons, and insignia intact.

Rarity

• Saxon Ulanen parade uniforms are among the hardest Imperial German cavalry tunics to obtain, especially those from the four primary kingdoms.
• The Walking Out variety with noble-class entitlement is exceptionally scarce—most enlisted men received standard depot-issued dress uniforms.
  

This is a museum-quality ensemble, offering unparalleled historical significance. It is a testament to the heritage of Saxon cavalry nobility and would make an outstanding addition to any collection focusing on Imperial German uniforms, cavalry regiments, or aristocratic military traditions.