The best WWI soldier portrait w/ LP08

Roadkill · 06-21-2003, 10:04 PM

Mauro,
been studying the great photo, there are (to my limited perspective) some interesting parts. He is a senior NCO or officer, I can't make out the rank on his overcoat but the age and demeanor give him an authoritative presence. His overcoat is well worn but the holster and magazine pouches appear new. There is a combination of spontainety
in that he wasn't going to put down his cigar but the background drop shows it is a posed photo. But he is standing on dirt. So its an outside studio. His boots are well worn field boots but he has a new pair of hobnailed ones in his pack. His gear is worn so that the the pack can be taken off quickly with the pistol and canteen remaining. His holster and magazines are to the front of his body so that when he sits they are in his lap. My guess is that he is an Artillery Company Commander or First Sergeant (Spiess), the column stopped in a village, he got off the wagon, still wearing his pack, gun, and smoking a cigar, walked over to a photo studion set up on the road, had his photo done, paid the dude who then mailed it home for him. The Imperial army was not known to foster independent thinking, the uniforms and equipment were consistent. He wears three magazine pouches cause he can. Nor does he seem to be one to be told what he can or can't wear.

rk

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06-21-2003, 10:04 PM	#2
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,634 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Mauro, been studying the great photo, there are (to my limited perspective) some interesting parts. He is a senior NCO or officer, I can't make out the rank on his overcoat but the age and demeanor give him an authoritative presence. His overcoat is well worn but the holster and magazine pouches appear new. There is a combination of spontainety in that he wasn't going to put down his cigar but the background drop shows it is a posed photo. But he is standing on dirt. So its an outside studio. His boots are well worn field boots but he has a new pair of hobnailed ones in his pack. His gear is worn so that the the pack can be taken off quickly with the pistol and canteen remaining. His holster and magazines are to the front of his body so that when he sits they are in his lap. My guess is that he is an Artillery Company Commander or First Sergeant (Spiess), the column stopped in a village, he got off the wagon, still wearing his pack, gun, and smoking a cigar, walked over to a photo studion set up on the road, had his photo done, paid the dude who then mailed it home for him. The Imperial army was not known to foster independent thinking, the uniforms and equipment were consistent. He wears three magazine pouches cause he can. Nor does he seem to be one to be told what he can or can't wear. rk