WWI Imperial German Regiment No. 80 Soldier Photograph-Pickelhaub & Gewehr-Framed

Original period photograph of an Imperial German soldier from Füsilier-Regiment “von Gersdorff” (Kurhessisches) Nr. 80, posed in full field uniform with rifle and equipment.

The most useful identifying feature is the soldier’s Pickelhaube helmet cover prominently displaying the number “80.” Regimental numbers were worn on German Pickelhaube field covers; the number therefore provides a strong identification to Regiment No. 80. Contemporary references identify No. 80 as Füsilier-Regiment “von Gersdorff” (Kurhessisches) Nr. 80. 

The soldier is shown wearing an Imperial German field tunic, Pickelhaube with cloth Überzug, ammunition pouches, belt and other field equipment, while holding his full-length service rifle. The numbered Pickelhaube cover is especially useful for dating: regimental numbers were used before the war and into WWI, with the conspicuous red numbers changed to dark green in 1914 and ultimately eliminated as the war progressed. 

The photograph is mounted on an older mat with a distinctive black painted border and remains housed in its older dark wood frame. The reverse retains aged paper/cardboard backing with faint handwritten notation. Frame, backing and mat show substantial age-related wear, staining, tears, scratches and deterioration as pictured. The photograph itself remains quite presentable with good uniform and equipment detail.

A very attractive identified-regiment Imperial German military portrait, considerably more desirable than an unidentified studio portrait because of the clearly displayed “80” helmet cover. Excellent research/display piece for an Imperial German or WWI collection.