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While mustaches have become a lighthearted trend today (sometimes worn for humor), a hundred years ago, facial hair was a serious matter. A man’s mustache or beard symbolized masculinity, maturity, and experience, as well as offering a glimpse into his character. Of course, no well-groomed facial hair was complete without a stunning military uniform adorned with medals, ribbons, sashes, epaulettes, daggers, and more. Here are some of the most remarkable.
1. Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf
General Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf. | Wikimedia Commons // Public DomainThe combative commander of Austria-Hungary’s military sported a similarly combative mustache. With ends that curl upward like a Valkyrie’s wings, it signals a promise of impending retribution.
2. Wilhelm II
Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia. | Print Collector/GettyImagesThe unpredictable German Kaiser Wilhelm II was instrumental in urging Austria-Hungary to strike Serbia in 1914. Another classic example of the upswept Teutonic style.
3. Mahmud Shevket Pasha
Mahmud Shevket Pasha of the Ottoman Empire. | Wikimedia Commons // Public DomainA notable official of the Ottoman Empire to meet a violent end, Minister of War Mahmud Shevket Pasha was assassinated in Constantinople on June 11, 1913. His full beard offered no safeguard.
4. Enver Pasha
Enver Pasha, the Ottoman Empire's future Minister of War. | Culture Club/GettyImagesThe Ottoman Empire's war minister who guided the empire into World War I in 1914, Enver Pasha had a deep admiration for all things German, which was evident in his distinctive grooming style.
5. Franz Josef I
Emperor Franz Josef of Austria | Culture Club/GettyImagesBy 1914, when World War I erupted, Franz Josef had already ruled as emperor of Austria and king of Hungary for 66 years, and his iconic sideburns were a fitting reflection of his long reign.
6. Aleksandr Izvolsky
Count Aleksandr Izvolsky, Russia's Ambassador to France. | Wikimedia Commons // Public DomainCount Aleksandr Izvolsky, Russia's ambassador to France, was a staunch Germanophobe who encouraged France to back Russia’s position against Germany in July 1914. His mustache seemed to echo his stance.
7. Alfred Redl
Colonel Alfred Redl of Austria. | Hulton Archive/GettyImagesRedl served as the head of Austrian military intelligence for years before being blackmailed into spying for Russia. Eventually exposed as gay, his personal life became the center of a scandal. Upon the revelation of his betrayal, military leaders suggested he take his own life, which he did.
8. George I
George I, King of Greece. | Print Collector/GettyImagesGeorge I, originally a Danish prince, became the king of Greece in 1863. He was assassinated in Salonika in March 1913. This portrait immortalizes his signature flying handlebar mustache for future generations.
