Comments on: A photograph of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin during the American Civil War

By: Dan Grossman

Dan Grossman — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 22:29:04 +0000

In reply to Don. Thank you!

By: Don

Don — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 21:31:02 +0000

The uniform Zeppelin is wearing is the 1848 standard uniform for the Wurttemberg army. Royal Blue Coat, red cuffs and collar. Red and Black barrel sash. The hat is sky blue, black leather band and brim, white worsted trim. You will notice he is wearing the US rank shoulder straps. The reason for this is the Wurttemberg officer’s ranking is with stars on the collar which can easily be seen. These identify him as a lieutenant. Because stars in the US signifies generals, there would confusion among the ranks. As someone who portrays an officer from Wurttemberg at CW reenactments, many lively discussions with Federal troops and officers have taken place. On the other hand the Confederate forces had no problem with it.

By: John Polucci

John Polucci — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:01:16 +0000

The American Civil War had more of an influence upon WWI than most think.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 19 May 2020 09:23:16 +0000

Fantastic. I knew Zeppelin had been an observer but did not know there was a photo of him from that time. Thanks!

By: Don

Don — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 01:34:16 +0000

When this photograph waa taken,Lt. Zeppelin was serving in the army of the Kingdom of Wurtemburg. Most likely by the time Leslie’s book came out now Count Zeppelin was serving in the Prussian army. The uniform he is wearing is the undress uniform of royal blue frock, silver buttons, red cuff and collars. The stars on the collar depicts the rank of lieutenant. In order to not cause confusion with the US ranking system, he has added the US shoulder tabs. To complete the uniform he is wearing the undress cap of sky blue wool with a black leather band and visor a white wool band surrounds the top. The insignia on the cap is a black and red painted button.
Having portrayed an officer from Wurtemburg for the US Civil War, I learned the need for the shoulder tabs quite early. But found the Confederates were far more accommodating to a foreigner among them than the Federals.