Germany, RAD. A Pair of Swimming Trunks

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Badehose). An extremely well-preserved set of Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) swimming trunks, constructed of a non-regulation light blue cotton-blended material. Stitched onto the upper right corner of the front is a RAD sports insignia consisting of a white machine-embroidered base, trimmed with a black border, and bearing a multi-coloured RAD logo. The insignia measures 84 mm (w) x 98 mm (h) overall. The waistband features an integral belt consisting of a hollow channel through which is looped a light cotton drawstring, emerging at each end to tie together for a fully adjustable fit. Stamped onto the interior of the waistband is a black ink maker’s mark of “WILH. WINDISCH, BERGEN”, along with a manufacture date of “39”. The trunks measures approximately 445 mm (w) x 360 mm (h) when folded flat. Free of evident damage or wear, they are in an extremely fine condition.