Germany, NSDAP. A Hauptstellenleiter’s Tunic, Gau-Level, Published Example

(NSDAP Dienstrock für Hauptstellenleiter). This is an extremely well-preserved NSDAP Hauptstellenleiter’s tunic, constructed of smooth light brown gabardine wool. The tunic features an integrated collar fully trimmed with red piping, indicative of Gau-level personnel. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs constructed of red wool, each of which bears two L-shaped silver aluminum wire tresses overlaid by mobile swastika patterns, both measuring 40 mm (w) x 55 mm (l). The cuff of each sleeve is turned up to a depth of 125 mm and securely held in place by a piece of machine stitching at both the front and back. Stitched onto the upper left arm is an armband consisting of a red wool base with a white cotton disc, measuring 85 mm in diameter, which is in turn overlaid by a multi-piece black mobile swastika. Each breast flap features two pockets, all opening with scalloped horizontal flaps bearing reinforced buttonholes, meeting gilded magnetic metal buttons with raised NSDAP-style German eagles clutching swastikas. The tunic closes with four buttons of identical construction and composition on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The exterior features are completed by dual magnetic metal belt hooks secured into the structure of the tunic on the reverse. The interior of the tunic features a complete light brown cotton liner, which transitions into a white pinstripe design through both arms. A single interior pocket is located at the upper left breast flap, opening with a reinforced horizontal slit. The interior collar features a rayon suspension loop, while underneath the collar a maker’s label bearing an inscription of “H. HÄGELE, GEISLINGEN/ST.”. The tunic measures 460 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 580 mm and an overall body length of 670 mm. Sporadic patches of soiling are evident to the exterior of the wool, as are small holes consisting with mothing and material fatigue. The tunic is in an overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: A published example, a photograph of this tunic is featured on page 55 of Jeff Clark’s “Uniforms of the NSDAP: Uniforms, Headgear, and Insignia”, 2007.