Stunning German Uniform Collection!

Join me as we open Kaiser Wilhelm II's closets and examine his vast collection of uniforms and swords - in this episode, Uniforms, Batons & Medals
Special thanks to the staff at Huis Doorn for inviting me on a private tour of the building and grounds. My thanks to the following persons: Curator Cornelis van der Bas, Junior Curator Leon van der Kuil, and Marketeer Jaël Buteijn. Many thanks for such a memorable and fascinating visit!
For information on visiting Huis Doorn, please go to: www.huisdoorn....
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.o...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
Help support my channel:
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Jaël Buteijn; A. Savin; Tony Webster,

[@stage6fan475]

The staff are doing incredible work preserving the uniforms. They all look new. Amazing.

[@Thomgxx100]

Huis Doorn could in fact create a fully coloured catalogue of the entire collection and publish it for the general public and for the good of future generations.

[@davidvaughn7752]

I'd like to know the techniques they are employing for preserving the wool jackets. I have my Capote that I wear for my Mountain Man reenactments and it seems to just be getting more worn and threadbare! Any thoughts?

[@Thomgxx100]

@@davidvaughn7752 Lots of mothballs!

[@davidvaughn7752]

@@Thomgxx100 Ok! Thanks. I try to put all my wool in those clear plastic bag hanging thingys... the uniforms of the Keizer are extraordinarily preserved! Moths and wool beatles are a constant battle. Obviously the curators are doing something right! 🤣🤣👍

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

@@davidvaughn7752 From a Bookbinding perspective we try to avoid NORMAL plastic , also my late wife used to ‘ hoover ‘ her clothes on a regular basis and also use cedar wood shavings ( hanging in a bag ) and Lavender oil . Seemed to work as no trace of insects etc .

[@mediocreman6323]

Wilhelm's passion for uniforms was of course not lost on his contemporaries, who of course joked about it: “Your majesty, a pipe burst in the shower room!” “Bring me my naval uniform.”

[@davidlyon1899]

Sir, you are drowning. ''Bring me my U-Boat Admirals uniform''.

[@neilmanhard1341]

There was also a passion for uniforms by non-royal world leaders during WWII. Churchill, Chiang, Stalin, Hitler and Mussolini all wore uniforms on official and non-official duties. The only world leader I don't recall in uniform was FDR. Then again, he was the only world leader bound to a wheel chair.

[@01Bouwhuis]

​@@neilmanhard1341hitler did not, stalin also. They had to adhere to the common man.

[@edwinvdv7030]

FDR at least had 2 arms that were equal in length @@neilmanhard1341

[@neilmanhard1341]

@@01Bouwhuis You may want to re-look at their photos. Hitler wore his wound badge and iron cross on a regular basis. And, the clothes they normally wore were certainly not a three-piece Brooks Brother suit.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

My honest thanks go out to our Dutch neighbours for preserving these relics of German history in pristine condition. How they manage to do it is beyond me. I love that his sweater and workgloves are preserved, too. Thanks also to you, Dr. Felton, for taking us along!

[@dp-sr1fd]

The gloves and sweater give a real human perspective to one of the great historical figures.

[@tatianaes3354]

The Kieser has despised his own people after the revolution (as his letters document), just as Germans mutually despised him for his imperialist loser wars, hungers they experienced due to his policies, while the next generations hate him for the most disastrous surrender conditions that birthed Hitler due to the level of humiliation and despair that fell onto the people. So, while it is great that history is being preserved, we have to understand that the Willhelm II was about as bad as Hitler for Germany. In some ways, even worse because he was bad on his own, but also generated Hitler with all of the bad that he has caused.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

I can't thank Huis Doorn staff enough for the way they've kept everything in such great condition. That visit must have been a real treat, Professor

[@jonnyqwst]

The Dutch are a great people. They will always help you when they can.

[@TheDutchGuy]

👍🏼@@jonnyqwst

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

For a historian like yourself Doctor Felton seeing a collection like this must have made you feel as if you walked into Ali Baba's cave! Just incredible!

[@martinhogg5337]

Fabulous collection! You are a lucky man Dr. Felton! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@goldenfiberwheat238]

Who’s cave?

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@goldenfiberwheat238 Ali Baba. Google him.

[@t.wcharles2171]

​@@goldenfiberwheat238 Ali Baba, protagonist of the tale Ali Baba and the forty thieves

[@mrx02407]

As a Chilean, it's amazing to see this old German/Prussian uniforms and contrast them with the ones in our army. Thank you, Dr. Felton

[@BadgerOfTheSea]

He has a video on just that

[@LWNightmareSheriff]

I am fascinated by the Kaiser, such an interesting story and character. He bridged two centuries and saw two world wars and such drastic changes in his nation, whilst being related to the royal family of his enemies.

[@jamesbond9011]

Fantastic video mark! Even though I work there, these facts still amaze me. While guiding you around it was also my first time seeing these uniforms up close and so intimately. We as Huis Doorn would like to compliment you on these fantastic mini-docs. Everyone here is stoked beyond words for every new video.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Many thanks for your kind comments and for giving me such a memorable day!

[@theonlymadmac4771]

These videos have made it mandatory for me to visit Huis Doorn some time

[@jamesbond9011]

@@theonlymadmac4771 We'd be glad to welcome you at our museum!

[@marvwatkins7029]

An amazing wardrobe that really should be at least occasionally displayed. Thanks for the show, Doctor.

[@rogersmith7396]

It belongs in a museum. Sure thing Indy.

[@Jreb1865]

It IS in a museum...

[@piccalillipit9211]

as a maker of historical mens suits I simply loved this, I wish it were on display.

[@TheGmeister812]

I was on guard duty at the HCR barracks in Windsor. I do remember a German exchange officer arrived at the front gate once and I was tasked with escorting him to the officers mess (not a place I visited often) We both entered and there prominent in the foyer was a grand portrait of the Kaiser! The look on the young officers face was priceless! I handed him over to the mess manager, saluted and departed.

[@embreis2257]

'HCR' = Household Cavalry Regiment? why on earth would there be a grand portrait of the kaiser in the foyer at Windsor in our time?

[@jamespfitz]

​@@embreis2257Indeed! Why?

[@douglaskasten4630]

​@@embreis2257because he's family?? After all he was Victoria's grandson

[@TheGmeister812]

@@embreis2257 Briefly Colonel in Chief (ceremonial position) of a cavalry regiment, The 1st Royal Dragoons… I believe. Bit sketchy on regimental history but then again I was a “tin” 😆 I was as surprised as he was

[@davidm3000ify]

​​@@jamespfitzKaiser Wilhelm II was once Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Royal Dragoons before the war. The Royal Dragoons amalgamated with the Royal Horse Guards to form the Blues and Royals.

[@DerInterloper]

Here in a small town near me I have held a hat belonging to Wilhelm's brother; Henry I believe. The people even had a photograph of him in uniform. A real fascinating piece of proud history.

[@bloodgrss]

As usual, another fascinating and straight to the point video Mark. The sad fact in addition to this, of course, is that this kind of love of uniform and militarism led in great part to millions of dead and wounded in WW1.

[@johnnyreno7200]

This is going to sound crazy, but with all the troubling things going on in the world today, I know I can turn to Mark Felton as a form of escapism. What he and his production team do is to help me take my mind off things if only for few minutes. Thanks Mark.

[@acrazysheepdog1555]

Over a century has passed and these uniforms are in pretty great condition, that’s impressive!

[@kingofsnakes1000]

Those batons are stunning. I've always had a fascination with high military ranks and Germany has had some very interesting ones.

[@JohnSmith-se9yl]

This series on Kaiser Wilhelm II "closet" is absolutely fascinating! The state of preservation of the uniforms is amazing. The access you were given has allowed all of us a rare glimpse into the daily life of a fallen Emperor. Thank you for another amazing learning moment...

[@thEannoyingE]

They did incredible work preserving these artifacts. I’m shocked there’s so much here that still exists. It’s nice to see it hasn’t been split up through various museums.

[@nikobellic570]

Or sold to various private collectors

[@redrobur68]

Another KZbin masterpiece! Personally, I find Wilhelm II very fascinating because he had a broken and checkered biography, because on the one hand he was very modern, a multimedia emperor, on the other hand completely addicted to the bizarre Prussian value system. He wept publicly at Queen Victoria's funeral and was in deep mourning. He invited Mark Twain. He held a beer night for his "friends" once a week. His Jewish friends were also particularly important to him. He was faithful (for nothing). He wanted to do a lot right and he did a lot wrong.

[@schroedingersdog7965]

Kaiser Wilhelm II was unquestionably an exceedingly complex and fascinating individual. I often wonder how different he (and history) might have been if he'd experienced a normal birth.

[@williammerkel1410]

Another reason that is often overlooked for his resentfulness to the British was their hostility to the German Navy, because in their eyes no other power on Earth had a reason to possess a navy that could challenge them, combined with the Victorian British belief that they were the most moral country in the world and that anyone that challenged their interests was an enemy of humanity.

[@pdmacguire]

​@@williammerkel1410This is true, and in fact he was goaded - if not actually taunted - by the Royal Navy, for decades.

[@anthonyford411]

Oh really?@@williammerkel1410

[@kingweaslcy5067]

"He was faithful" Certainly not to his wife.

[@JayS1889]

Another great insight into the Kaiser historical artefacts. Thanks Mark.

[@emperorofpluto]

Bravo. Excellent video. Hard to imagine what it must have been like for Willy, raised in unimaginable luxury, his cousins on the throne of Great Britain and Russia, socialising with the crowned heads of Europe and embracing the traditional militarism of Prussia. The patched gloves are awesome. Nowadays we’ve lost the art of mending things we care about. I have a WW1 Royal Navy officer’s boat cloak which had clearly been of enormous importance to its owner - the lining had been patched and mended in much the same way as the Kaiser’s gloves and jumper.

[@J_____C]

I have an old German WW2 officer's coat/jacket in my closet, here in the US. It hangs at the very back. It's a grey/green color I believe. With a darker collar & green tabs around the collar with 2 sets of lines. Has straight shoulder tabs and a braided thing on one side, going under the underarm and back up. I haven't looked at it in a long time so I don't recall exactly what it looks like(edit: I just went and looked at it. Described above). I do remember that when you put your hand in one of the pockets, there's a secret hole going through to an inner breast dagger pocket where one could grab their dagger without it being known by anyone around. When I was in middle school, grade 7, I had a book report on Adolf. We were supposed to dress up and give a speech in front of the class. My mom wanted me to wear the jacket and dress up as him. I refused. This was around 1993 or 94. Not only because of the subject matter of the jacket but because I hated speaking in class. Especially in front, at a podium. I skipped class that day and got an F. Almost failed the entire semester and I was an A/B student. I had to modify my report card the whole year after that so they wouldn't see the D that I got on my report card lol Because that jacket hangs in the dark and never sees the light of day, it looks exactly as it did 30 years ago. I'm not so sure about how acceptable it is to have this sort of stuff, though. It's been in my family since my grandfather came home from the war. 🤷 Yes it's real. You can see the proof when you open it. Reproductions don't look like this.

[@ak9989]

Thanks Mark for this! My youngest 20 year old son likes ww1 items. When he was 13 he saw a US 82nd Ww1 painted helmet with uniform, mask, photos and medals, the soldiers paperwork and he asked for that for his birthday. So I obtained it for him. Amazing. His grandad was in the 3rd in ww1!

[@codycoyote6912]

Hats off (no pun intended) to the people who recognized the potential historical significance of his clothing. By saving and maintaining them we can enjoy this glimpse of history 80 years after his death. And a tip of hat to you for using modern technology, in the formof KZbin, to bring these treasures to the world. A fascinating look into the past.

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

So fascinating to see how a former royal lived and clung to his old traditions. I also reckon the British royals have just as large a crazy wardrobe of various military uniforms. They probably have uniforms in Buckingham Palace of regiments that no longer exist. Which, considering the various defense cuts of the last decades, are probably a lot.

[@patrickfoley9735]

I have been interested in the Kaiser for years and had the pleasure of finally visiting Huis Doorn 6 weeks ago. It was wonderful, everything I had read about this fascinating, complex and frustrating man seemed to come to life. Oh to have seen the collection of helmets and uniforms.

[@phillipsesate1364]

Thank you for making these videos about the kaiser I’ve always been fascinated about the last emperor of Germany!

[@skyden24195]

It is awesome that Mark Felton Productions' reputation as a respected historian entity has granted this access to such an incredible, historical archive.

[@tdhawk7284]

First, thank you again, Dr Felton for bringing this collection to our attention. The collection is obviously priceless, for the quality, history, and careful preservation. The staff is doing a fantastic job, which will be enjoyed for generations into the future. Your vid really gives an appreciation for how much the royal houses of Europe are interrelated. Victoria and Albert spread their seed far and wide. It makes the horrors of WWI even more tragic. At its most basic level, WWI was a bunch of royal relatives fighting through proxies - the young male citizens of their respective countries forever wasted in the muddy battlefields of Europe.

[@AnotherAmateurCarChannel]

Funny... I was at Castle Hohenzollern just today... Magnificent structure, a siege on that place would have been a nightmare for the enemy... If you haven't had the chance, visit it!

[@michaelfisher7170]

So much has gone missing, destroyed or simply vanished from history. I never knew this collection of the Kaiser existed today, till Mark showed it to me. Thank you for that Mark, incredible work, as we've come to expect. But my thanks also goes out to the conservators who keep this collection pristine, and to whomever, private funding or the government, that supports their work. This is history, not just the written word but tangible artifacts, from an age that made our world today. Thank you again Mark for sharing this amazing story with us. Your efforts are much appreciated.

[@paulkoza8652]

This collection is incredible. I am as fascinated by this as I was when visiting the Hofburg in Vienna and seeing the huge royal china collection of the Habsburgs. Thank you so much, Mark, for sharing this with the rest of the world.

[@CatnamedMittens]

Is the Hofburg nice?

[@kimwit1307]

@@CatnamedMittens Very much worth a visit. Vienna as a city is too.

[@CatnamedMittens]

@@kimwit1307 nice, thanks.

[@paulkoza8652]

@@CatnamedMittens Not really. The palace itself is dark and disappointing. The China collectio0n, on the other hand, is spectacular.

[@ianmichael5768]

Such pageantry for those who will never realize actual battle. There are those who collect objects and there are those who collect actual memories of war. Absolutely fascinating. Respect your material.

[@leonardcroft1467]

Thank You Dr. Felton Always Enjoy Your Videos

[@noc2_art]

This series by the illustrious Dr. Felton simply takes my breath away. Thank you so much dear sir for all your efforts in making them. Many thanks to the museum administration of the house of Dorn for making them possible 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@garylawson5381]

In conversation with my son yesterday I told him it has been too long since my last tour at a museum. Thank you for sharing Dr Felton.

[@steventhomas8964]

Incredible. Of all the videos I’ve watched not one has disappointed

[@desmcharris]

A privilege we are all appreciative of having , this viewing of the uniforms. I’ve noticed the length of the left sleeve, being shortened. An interesting insight to the man’s personal life. Thank you to all involved in this production.

[@pigpaul]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Excellent channel,I watch every episode. Hello from Las Vegas Nevada 🇺🇸

[@babuzzard6470]

Not only do I applaud your work but also the photography, they wouldn’t look the same if photographed 60 yrs ago.👍

[@oveidasinclair982]

It's nice to see that these historical items were and continue to be well preserved, with the collection remaining intact

[@jeffmello4887]

Thank you mark felton for bringing such an important collection of historical information and artifacts into broad public view

[@fabianwylie8707]

What a outstanding collection. Wow , certainly deserving to be put on put on display in a museum for all to see . Just amazing to see, thanks for posting and for taking the time to do so 👍

[@TheIndustrialRetrospective]

Fascinating work Doctor! I love the on the ground reporting!

[@stlbusker3025]

One fact that many overlook, is how hated this man was, outside of Central Europe, or outside of the Axis, if you prefer. Evil incarnate was how he was described by many of his day. Speaking strictly from a historical viewpoint, These videos are worth their weight in gold, as politics and the opinions of the general population are set aside, while we focus on The Man and his lifestyle. You efforts are greatly appreciated Dr. Felton.

[@UncleTravelingMac81]

This is facinating Mark! As usual, thank you for sharing with us! After 24 years in the U.S. Army, I am retiring, with my final assignment being here in Germany. You have intellecutally enriched me the past four years I've been living here and I could not have asked for better professor of military history during this assignment. Thank you for improving my knowledge base and enhancing my understanding as an amateur military historian. Although we will return stateside soon, I will return to Europe with my family so we can continue our studies; in the meantime, I will continue to watch and learn from your videos. Allow me to get my feet under me in my retirement career and I may finally have the funds to support your patreon account! 😉 Until now, I have just supported you by buying your books....all of which I've enjoyed. Keep up the good work, my friend!

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

A great many thanks for your kind words, and best of luck for the future!

[@daletaylor1130]

How incredibly lucky you were to be granted permission to see all of these historical, and no doubt priceless personal items belonging to the Kaiser. Thank you!

[@Stino.]

Can't wait to see the episode on the imperial sword collection! ❤

[@sempersuffragium9951]

Such a beautiful collection... I could look at these for days...

[@juanch6936]

This series is amazing Thank you Doctor!

[@Pantherking916]

The sheer amount of dedication, effort and hard work you consistently put in to making these masterpieces of education can never be overstated enough. Thank you on behalf of everyone who enjoys learning in such an awesome way.

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

Thank you, thank you Dr. Felton. I don't know why but I have a special affinity for batons and this was certainly a special treat. Always such impressive work.

[@patriciabeller64]

Huis Doorn combines two of my most favorite subjects--WW II and Audrey Hepburn!! You are soooo lucky to be able to gain access! Thank you for sharing your good fortune and knowledge!

[@DuncanSelvester]

Thank you Mark. These are terrific little films and SO informative. I thoroughly enjoy your channel and all your content, and I look forward to the next episode. Long May you continue!

[@WilliamCooper-l6f]

I could barely keep up with all the gear, emblems and honors. Wow! What a life - surrounded by men in uniform, historically unique and rare positioned people and the never ending flow of diplolamats, gifts and correspondence.

[@redbullninja11]

Yet another riveting video by the good doctor, excellent work

[@ahall1459]

A Fascinating collection. The old allied sweats would have no interest in this but today it is a priceless & unequalled collection. Thank you for showing.

[@Token_Civilian]

Fantastic series Dr.F. I'm looking forward to the rest of the episodes.

[@scumskimmer]

As a first-rate military posturer, the old duffer would be delighted to see his kit being so well looked after

[@588158]

Excellent! The Marshals Batons show the exceptional work of the Jewelers who designed them; most particularly the Admirals Baton.

[@islandhopperstuart]

What a staggering collection! Thank you Mark for bringing this to us.

[@theironknight597]

The Kaiser sure loved to dress up, who wouldn't if they had such magnificent uniforms. Thank you for giving us this look into the Kaiser's life.

[@dimmujan9385]

Thanks for the episode. I visited huis doorn last Thursday. It was indeed crammed with great pieces of history. Sad that they don’t show it all. Great that it is possible to see part of it via this video.

[@mrhamburger6936]

I never realize that the Kaiser had so many uniforms helmets that is one huge collection that is an excellent video

[@davidjohnson6535]

Another excellent video. I am enjoying this look at the grandeur of a past long gone. Keep up the great work!

[@motorTranz]

Fascinating! Thank you Dr. Felton for sharing this!

[@stefanmolnapor910]

I am at a loss of words. Thank you Dr. Mark Felton

[@margiesoapyhairbillian4754]

Thank you SO Much for sharing with us. This is the BEST history class!!

[@labby2]

Absolutely fascinating. Thank you, Dr. Felton.

[@wadejustanamerican1201]

The staff there are doing a remarkable job of preservation. Thank you for bringing this whole series on the Kaiser.

[@chetdogspoon]

Taking into account the materials, I was amazed at the condition of these garments for their age. Thank you again, Dr. Felton, for another great episode.

[@daystatesniper01]

And also many many thanks for the keepers for allowing you to film these amazing artifacts

[@bigstyx]

Just breathtaking I’m so impressed by your knowledge and historical perspective all I can say thank you.

[@stephenloy3535]

I am happy to see such an exquisite display,and that they are secure from unscrupulous types.Well done,Dr Felton.

[@sepposinerva]

After the previous video I asked you about the marshal's batons. This video gave me a real luxurious answer to my question. Thank you.

[@RedStickHistorian]

This series has been amazing, it is wonderful that these historical items have survived. I appreciated Dr. Felton showing us these items and explaining their meanings.

[@gianmarcocoronado5454]

As per usual, amazing, interesting and easy-to-understand content! Thank you for sharing, Mark.

[@ChannelWright]

You've hit a goldmine with this! Thanks for bringing these historical treasures to light!

[@pathutchison7688]

All of this need to be on display. Such an amazing collection.

[@jimpolk]

Fantastic Dr Felton. Thank you for bringing this to us.

[@bejoyful]

Absolutely wonderful to see such a collection of uniforms and their meanings.

[@jimc.goodfellas]

When you're an internationally known superstar like Mr Felton you naturally get access to amazing stuff like this...

[@jasonlockhart4647]

Dr.Felton thank you for all that u do it feels like I get to look into the past with your video's can't wait to see the swords

[@Pragmatic3870]

Thank you very much Mark, for taking the time to visit this historical place, but more so, for sharing your experience and what you saw with us.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Fascinating history preserved and fascinating history coverage by Dr. Mark Felton

[@chrisparsons2791]

Top Notch Work ! Really enjoying this multipart video on the Kaiser's Closet. Can't wait 'til the next one!

[@luisescalante2063]

Mark Felton, I was already deeply in love with the history, but the quality of your videos, your dedication, your knowledge have taken that love to another new level, keep those videos going on please!

[@bobbyokeefe4285]

The only guy on YT who can make closets and drawers epic lol...

[@joeobyrne3189]

Well done Mark, for getting access to this collection. Nice to see they are being looked after.

[@thom-bennett-tailoring]

Fabulous tailoring, Mark. All those little hand-sewn bar tacks to hold the medals and uniform decorations are something one doesn't often see. I was particularly interested in the starched shirt, fascinating.

[@davidolien2828]

Thank you for ALL of your presentations. They are remarkable.

[@donaldsonck7566]

STUNNING INDEED!!!!!! Incredible! Thank you this narrative and tour through history, Mr. Felton!!

[@daveblackburn5393]

Wow it is amazing to see military decorations of the day. Beautiful military badges. Wow. I awestruck to see such items. Thanks for sharing . Respectfully Dave blackburn

[@gibusgaming5866]

An excellent breakdown Dr. Felton, I do hope you shall continue this series.

[@SuperDiablo101]

Just imagine the last person besides Mr Felton to see with thier own eyes such a experience...truly a blessing

[@RobertKubas]

A amazing collection. Thank you Mark for sharing it with us.

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Thanks for these special series with the focus on the selected topic. Hopefully, there will be other unique topics. Thank, Doc.

[@RittervonEpp1868]

Just the most incredible thing I have ever seen! Thanks Mark, you are a living legend!

[@Lugiapkm]

Thank you so much for sharing this video and explaining on the uniforms! I love your channel and videos so much ❤❤

[@normiron736]

These last two videos are heaven, thank you so much for this!

[@BobPaulson200]

You could do a four hour video on every topic: and I'd watch every second of it. On a side note it's interesting to see the jackets on the hanger and just how short Wilhelms left arm was, versus seeing photos of him wearing the same jacket and just how good he was at hiding it.