This analysis delves into the intricacies of a fascinating piece of historical apparel: a pre-war Model 1936 German Police tunic. Dated April 20, 1938, this particular garment was explicitly crafted for a Medical Doctor within the police force. It offers a detailed glimpse into the regulations and tailoring practices of the era, making it a significant artifact for collectors and historians interested in German Uniform history.
The tunic adheres to the 1936 Polizei regulations, a key detail immediately apparent in its distinctive collar tabs. These tabs are blue-backed and uniquely designed without colored Waffenfarbe in the center of the bright Litzen. This feature is characteristic of the regulations implemented at that time for specific police branches. Further underscoring its pre-war origins is the high, closed collar. Unlike wartime versions typically featuring two hooks, this tunic boasts an earlier style with three hooks, a subtle yet telling detail for dating the garment.
Examining the cuffs, we observe an Officer-style design with operational flaps. However, these flaps are non-functional; they are sewn in place, maintaining a neat, formal appearance without the need for buttons. This detail confirms the tunic was not a modified NCO tunic with merely decorative cuffs, highlighting the original tailoring for an officer. Inside, a Braunschweig tailor tag is machine-sewn into the pocket. Notably, the stitching is meticulously done, with no thread protruding through the lining, a testament to quality craftsmanship.
Moving to the sleeve eagle, we find similar attention to detail. It appears tailor-applied before the lining was sewn in, as the stitching is not visible from the inside. The stitches themselves are tiny and evenly spaced, indicative of professional tailor work. Interestingly, the eagle displays significant wear on its high points. This wear pattern suggests authentic period use, possibly from friction against a doctor’s white coat, commonly worn in that profession as evidenced by period photographs. Alternatively, it could be due to habitual leaning against surfaces during the wearer’s duties.
The shoulder boards present a more complex picture. Styled as standard 1st Lieutenant boards, they are made of subdued bullion, which contrasts with the brighter aluminum insignia found elsewhere on the tunic. These boards also exhibit considerable wear, raising questions about their originality to this specific tunic. Tacking stitches on the top of the sleeve, securing the boards, further suggest a possible replacement. While the timing and reason for this replacement remain unknown, it’s plausible that blue-backed Heer-style boards were initially present. Interestingly, the analyst mentions owning a Police Officer Oberarzt greatcoat with blue Heer-style shoulder boards, lending some credence to this possibility, although greatcoats would not feature collar tabs.
Adding a layer of intrigue, the discovery of sulfa pill remnants in the tunic’s pockets hints towards its use as a Medical Doctor’s garment, aligning with the tunic’s intended purpose. However, without further corroborating evidence, this remains circumstantial.
In conclusion, this Model 1936 german uniform tunic offers a rich study in pre-war German police attire. While questions remain regarding the shoulder boards, the tunic’s construction, details like the collar, cuffs, and tailor tag, and wear patterns strongly suggest its authenticity as a Medical Doctor’s pre-war police garment. Further research and comparison with other examples would be beneficial to fully solidify its provenance and history.
