Germany, SS. A SS-Verfügungstruppe Standarte “Deutschland” Obersturmführer’s Summer Dress Tunic, by Wendt

(SS-Verfügungstruppe Sommerrock). A rare and extremely well-preserved SS-Verfügungstruppe summer dress tunic, constructed of white cotton whipcord twill. It features an integrated collar, flanked on each side by tabs. On the right side, an insignia tab is constructed of black wool with a buckram core, trimmed with twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire piping, and bears hand-embroidered dual Sig runes and a numeral “1”. On the left side, a rank tab is constructed of black wool, trimmed with twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire, pinned with three silver bronze rank pips, and overlaid by a single silver aluminum wire tresse bisected by black threading. Each tab measures 40 mm (w) x 55 mm (l). The shoulders are flanked by boards constructed of cardboard-reinforced black wool, trimmed with white piping, overlaid by four bands of silver aluminum wire piping, and pinned with bronze rank pips. Each measuring 32 mm (w) x 100 mm (l), the boards are secured to the tunic with machine stitching at the outer edge and by a pebbled magnetic metal button on the inner edge. Stitched onto the upper right arm is an Honour Chevron for the Old Guard, constructed of a black rayon base bearing a large silver aluminum wire tresse, in turn overlaid with two black threaded bands. The chevron measures 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (h). Stitched onto the upper left arm is an insignia consisting of a black wool backer bearing a hand-embroidered and extremely detailed SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 90 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). A cuff title is also stitched onto the left arm, constructed of woven black rayon, trimmed with machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire piping along both the top and bottom edges, and bearing an inscription of “DEUTSCHLAND” of identical construction. The title measures 32 mm in width and is secured to the cuff by machine stitching. Additionally, the cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 150 mm and secured in place with stitching at both the front and back. Each breast flap features two pockets, all opening with scalloped horizontal flaps and reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled magnetic metal buttons. It is closed with four pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The reverse features a lower reinforced vertical slit, topped by dual pebbled magnetic metal belt hooks. All buttons on the tunic are inscribed on the reverse with “EXTRA FEIN”, indicating German manufacture. The interior features a complete white rayon-blended liner, with a single pocket set into the upper left breast. An additional slit on the lower left breast accommodates an optional dagger. Integrated loops emanate from each armpit, with an additional strap set into the liner just above the dagger slit. Stitched onto the lower back is a manufacturer’s label reading “UNIFORM WENDT, FRANKFURT/MAIN, GEGR. 1897”. An additional Wendt label is stitched onto the interior pocket, with a handwritten owner’s name which has since been rendered illegible. The tunic measures approximately 435 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 615 mm and an overall body length of 710 mm. Minor soiling is evident to the exterior, but the tunic is in an otherwise extremely fine condition.