1916 Dated Prussian Bugle

I’m hoping Blue Max might drop by with comments what type of unit used this horn.

This 10 ½ inch tall bugle bears the Prussian eagle, and underneath the manufacturers mark C.W. MORITZ / BERLIN. / 1916. The eagle is not the “Line Eagle” pattern, with a scepter in the left claw and an orb in the right. Eagles with a sword on the left and scepter on the right seems to indicate guard (with star), grenadier and dragoon formations. However, so far all the Prussian bugles I have come across have this eagle instead of the line eagle, so it may not indicate anything special.

Other features include white metal (nickel?) trim on this brass bugle. I believe the white metal band around the bell of the horn probably strengthened it as well as offering an aesthetic accent. Two other bands of white metal are in the first loop (possibly where a seam is) and near the mouthpiece. Besides the two large rings for a carrying strap, there are two small ones, one on the mouthpiece and one on where the mouthpiece connects, which were likely connected with a small chain to keep the mouthpiece from going missing.

Friends wonder how much cash I’ve sunk into my collection over the years. One answer is I bought much of it when it was still cheap. I picked this up at a second-hand shop in Bremerhaven Germany where I was stationed as a young soldier back in the 70s. Back then the WWI veterans were in nursing homes and when they passed on, their keepsakes would sometimes show up in the thrifts. These days it’s the WWII veterans turn to fade away, although their choice keepsakes are commanding more money. It all makes me more aware of the passage of time and I wonder how the keepsakes from my own service will be viewed in another thirty years.