History

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 uniform 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 blouse was introduced in 1939, and it is composed of brown fabric. It is also known as the Brown Service Shirt (not to be confused with the Service Shirt). 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.

It features two pleated patch pockets, with one on either breast, five buttons along the front seam, an RZM tag, a waistband with metal hooks or cloth belt loops, and several types of rank insignia.

The buttons on these blouses may be silver-coloured or gold-coloured (gilt), depending on the rank of the wearer, and they feature the image of the NSDAP national emblem eagle.

The breast pockets are closed by a scalloped flap and a single button. Both sleeve cuffs are also closed by a single button.

The front closure features three metal buttons and two plastic buttons. The plastic buttons are located at the bottom and top of the front closure.

The RZM tag is generally located along the blouse’s neck section.