Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, Vienna

[Wmr-RHB]

I remember that not only the car was there, but also the uniform tunic of the Erzherzog. With the bullet holes in the front.

[RCN]

In its own case with divan on which he died, its next Henk!
Bryan

[Wmr-RHB]

Originally Posted by RCN

In its own case with divan on which he died, its next Henk!
Bryan

Sorry ! I will try not to interfere with your continuing story and leave the cliff hangers to your discretion

[GTB]

Thanks for rekindling fond memories of the museum and displays for me, Bryan. I spent a whole day there in 1991, rest of the week spent trawling militaria shops, most of which were closed - with window sign "Urlaub" (On Holiday)!
I especially recall the submarine in its hall.
A question I have for any Austro-Hungarian specialist: What is the significance of the design of Generals buttons? Looks like flower (Edelweiss) buds?!
GTB

[Wmr-RHB]

The book I have here says: "... gelben Knöpfen mit Generalsdessin". Yellow buttons with a design for general officers. Does not realy help much I am afraid.

I do not think it is an Edelweiß design. After all only a very small part of the immense country was fit for that plant.

[RCN]

The dress uniform Archduke Francis Ferdinand's was wearing on 28 June 1914 laid out above the chaiselounge on which he died that fateful day.

The Browning pistol projectile tore through his jugular vein & ripped open his windpipe . Sophie was shot thru the abdomen & died almost immediately.

the cuts the surgeon's had to make in his uniform to gain access to the Archduke's wounds are quite visible.








As requested in GTB's previous post, in this photo one can make out the General's buttons:

[RCN]

I was primarily interested in viewing the Naval exhibits at the Museum & was not disappointed.


Uniforms of Imperial & Royal sailors uniforms:






Sailor's cap - flying wing of the kuk Marine:



Couple more ratings caps:

[RCN]

As mentioned in my initial post I went to visit the museum primarily to view the k.u.k. Marine exhibits. I had read about the battle of Lissa in 1866 & was very interested in viewing the paintings depicting the battle.

Lissa was the only Ironclad fleet action of the 19th century & took place between Austria & Italy. It was the first & only use of the ram to affect a successful sinking in that timeframe.

Note the mix of wood/sail rigged & ironclad ships.



This painting depicts the climax of the Battle of Lissa on 20 July 1866. The Austrian Flagship "Erzherzog Ferdinand Max" has rammed the Italian Armoured Frigate "Re d'Italia" causing her to sink.



The Commander of the Austrian Fleet, Rear Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff achieved an unexpected victory during this major engagement of the Ironclad era.

[RCN]

I was very impressed by the uniform & insignia displays in the Marine Hall. The uniform, cap & insignia all date from the Imperial k.u.k. Marine time(pre 1918) & must have considerable value.
I had never seen in 'real life' Austrian k.u.k. Marine uniforms or insignia so this was a real treat for me, & to be able to photograph them was an added bonus!



Dress epaulettes -


The example with the crown is Flag Officer rank - Rear Admiral I think.

[RCN]

Marine Officer's sleeve lace:




Flag Officers - Admiral, Vizeadmiral, Konteradmiral:



Stabsoffiziere, Oberoffiziere, & Fahnriche:

[RCN]

Admiral's cocked hat - this example is absolutely beautiful! No idea of its value but I would expect very very high! Amazing it has survived for over 100 yrs I & in this superb condition!




Another beautiful example of a Flag Officer's cocked hat(possibly Vizeadmiral):

[Wmr-RHB]

For those interested in some more detail about this extraordinary battle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lissa_(1866)

I assume it is more or less a miracle that those displayed uniforms and uniform details still exist and are in such a good scape. After all, who cared for such things after the beak down of the empire? And Vienna was also subjected to severe bombing in WW2.

To me one an interesting detail of this battle is that the majority of the Austrian fleet's personal was Italian speaking. Showing that loyalty to the multi-people state of Austria-Hungary was felt by many of it's citizens.

[RCN]

Another cocked hat example, possibly Fregattenkapitan:




An example of an Officer's everyday uniform cap, Stabsoffiziere grade, showing the cap badge:

[RCN]

Another cocked hat, possibly Stabsoffiziere grade:

[RCN]

Surgeons/Medical Offizier Frock coat: