Alexander Querengässer

A cultural history of uniforms from the late Middle Ages to the First World War
Until the introduction of camouflage uniforms, „The King’s Coat“ dominated the appearance of Western armies. Originally designed for economic reasons, uniforms in the Baroque era served to erase a soldier’s individuality in favour of a regimental esprit de corps. Uniforms distinguished soldiers from civilians, and served ceremonial functions at court by representing the absolute power of princes. However, pre-modern manufacturing practices from the limited capacities to dye fabrics uniformly to the individual workmanship of different tailors undermined this ideal of a uniform military appearance just as swiftly as the demands of a campaign, in which uniforms wore out and had to be supplemented by a variety of different garments.
This book attempts to explore the history of the military uniform from its origins to the present day. The thematic approach comprises various aspects of military costume, examining materials, function, limits as well as the deliberate modification of uniformity. Topics also include the symbolic character of the uniform, its own assertive potential, and the influence of contemporary fashion. It is a cultural history of military costume which seeks to go beyond the boundaries of fashion alone.
ISBN: 978-3-96360-060-9
Ordernumber Zeughaus Verlag: 5Z165
You can order this title at Berliner Zinnfiguren or at your bookshop.






































In the 7th century BC, the Assyrians carved out the first great empire in history under the leadership of a line of powerful kings from the Sargonid dynasty. Its power was based on a well-equipped and highly organized army led by the Great King himself. This army comprised infantry and cavalry, chariots, craftsmen, engineers, and sappers. In its ranks served native Assyrians and foreign mercenaries, regular soldiers fought alongside local levies, vassal troops and allied contingents. A wealth of resources, but also booty taken in war and a refined tribute system made sure that the Assyrian army could rely on equipment and supplies of the highest standards.
Der dritte Teil widmet sich der Gestaltung von Dioramen. Vier namhafte Modellbauer zeigen ihr Können: Shinpei Nohara, Frederik Astier, Fabrizio Pincelli und Rodrigo Hernández Cabos.