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 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 shirt is composed of a brown material, and it is worn tucked into the breeches. It is also known as the Brown Shirt or Regulation Shirt (not to be confused with the Brown Service Shirt, also referred to as the Service Blouse). The shirt features two breast pockets, three buttons along the front seam, two buttons on the bottom of each sleeve, an RZM tag, and several types of rank insignia.

The buttons on these tunics may be silver-coloured and feature the image of the NSDAP national emblem eagle. The front closure only extends to the wearer’s navel, it does not extend the full length of the shirt.

The breast pockets are pleated patch pockets, and each pocket is closed by a scalloped flap with a single button.

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