NSDAP Service Tunic
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 30.GOR.02.01.002.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
This is an extremely well-preserved uniform tunic worn by an Orts (Local) Level NSDAP Stellenleiter (Area Leader). The tunic is constructed of a fine quality tan-coloured wool exterior with a tan rayon-blended interior lining with a smooth, silky texture. The collar, neatly lined from end-to-end with blue piping, is flanked on each side by rank tabs. The tabs, each measuring 60 mm x 42 mm, are constructed of a brown doeskin surface and bordered by blue, Orts-level piping upon which is embroidered a gold bullion threaded “L” inlayed with swastikas. On the upper left arm sits an NSDAP membership armband, attached to the sleeve with two rows of tight stitching. The armband measures 111 mm in diameter and is composed of a red wool band with a rayon-blend white circular patch, in turn bearing a machine-embroidered, rayon-blended black swastika. Each breast of the tunic has two stylized pockets closed by reinforced button holes meeting pebbled, gold-coloured metallic buttons bearing an NSDAP Parteiadler (Party Eagle), all of which are stamped on the reverse with the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and manufacturer code of “M5/82” (Steinhauer and Lück, Lüdenscheid). The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up and stitched to a depth of 154 mm, securely stitched into place at the front and rear of the sleeve. The breasts of the jacket are closed with four reinforced button holes meeting an equal number of large, pebbled, gold-coloured metallic buttons bearing a Parteiadler, all of which are stamped with the RZM logo and manufacturer code of “M5/71” (Overhoff and Cie, Lüdenscheid). The rear of the tunic has two pebbled, gold-coloured metallic belt hooks, similarly bearing a Parteiadler, the bottom of which are stamped with the RZM logo and manufacturer code of “M5/25” (C. Th. Dicke of Lüdenscheid). The interior of the jacket is stamped with the number “25” and contains a single pocket on the upper left breast. Inside this pocket is stitched a label clearly displaying the RZM logo along with the words “Für Politische Leiter” (For Political Leaders), “Hersteller” (manufacturer code) of “D2/61088”, and the serial number “A-67766”. The interior of the collar has a stitched, rayon-blended loop for hanging the tunic on a hook when not in use. The collar measures approximately 470 mm at the shoulders, 590 mm in the arms, with an overall length of 730 mm. While there is some soiling of the white background of the NSDAP armband, the tunic is perfectly presented and is in an overall extremely fine condition.
The uniforms, headgear, and insignia of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP) went through several design changes from 1933 until the end of the Second World War. Dr. Ley, originally the Gauleiter of Rheinland and later promoted to the position of chief of staff of Party Organization and Reich Organization Leader, was largely responsible for the NSDAP rank system and uniforms.
The standardized production and circulation of all NSDAP uniform garments, headgear, and insignia were overseen by the National Material Control Office (RZM or Reichszeugmeisterei). The RZM was created in July 1934, and it was located in Munich. From 1935 onward, all NSDAP uniform garments and insignia were legally required to feature an RZM control mark or tag, as well as a number mark on metal insignia or belt buckles. These marks indicate the authenticity of the object, the type of insignia or garment, and identify the manufacturer.
The style of the NSDAP uniforms was initially based upon the castoffs of the tropical uniform that were used by the German Army during the First World War. While these brown shirts and trousers were worn by NSDAP members prior to the standardization of the NSDAP uniform, their general design was mirrored in the final NSDAP uniform designs.
The service tunic is single-breasted, and it is composed of brown coloured material.
The collar is piped according to the wearer's rank level. Piping colours before 1939 include yellow for Reichsleitung level (national), red for Gauleitung level (larger district (Gau) level), black for Kreisleitung (district level), and light blue for Ortsgruppenleitung (local level). In 1939, this was changed to golden-yellow for Reichsleitung level, dark red for Gauleitung level, white for Kreisleitung level, and light blue for Ortsgruppenleitung level.
There are rare versions of the service tunic that were made from white fabric for wear during the summer months. The white tunic did not feature piping.
This tunic has four pockets, four buttons on the front closure, an RZM tag, and several types of rank insignia.
The buttons on these tunics are gold-coloured (gilt) and feature the image of the NSDAP national emblem eagle.
All four tunic pockets are patch pockets, with two on the tunic breast and two at hip level. The two breast pockets are pleated and closed by a scalloped flap with a single button. While the two hip button are not pleated and closed by a rectangular flap with a single button.
The RZM tag is generally located along the tunic's neck section.
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