BACKGROUND: When the Nazi Party gained power in January of 1933, the German railway system was maintained and administered by two civilian organizations, the DR, "Deutsches Reichsbahn" (German National-railway), and the DR-G, "Deutsches Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft" (German National-railway - Corporation), which were each overseen by the national government. Both the DR and the DR-G were uniformed organizations responsible for all the railways within Greater Germany, and eventually in the occupied areas. In February of 1937, in a restructuring of the national railways, the DR-G was absorbed into the DR. The uniforms and insignia of DR personnel were modified numerous times during the Third Reich, although, as a civilian organization, they were not graded with ranks but were assigned positions as officials. Shoulder boards were first introduced for their uniforms in June of 1936.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, 1935 pattern, deep navy blue doeskin wool, single breasted, opened necked tunic. Tunic features a four button front closure with small fold back lapels and lay down collar. Tunic has two pleated patch breast pockets and two slightly diagonally angled slash hip pockets, all with scalloped button down flaps. Sleeves with simulated French cuffs by a horizontal row of stitching. Lay down collar with first pattern, (circa 1933), collar tabs. Black velvet tabs with bright red wool piping to all but forward edge and gilt washed alloy winged wheels to each. Tabs are handstitched to collar. Interior of tunic fully lined in black rayon with white striped sleeves. Lining has a horizontal slash pocket to left breast. Original shoulder boards. All the buttons are the gilt washed, pebbled, sheet metal type and all appear to have original stitching. Tunic roughly size 36-38" chest. Of Note: The 1936 pattern shoulder boards were to be discontinued and replaced in September 1941 by a new system of shoulder "Passants", that were to be parallel with the uniform shoulder seams. In February 1942 the 1933 pattern collar tabs were to be abolished and replaced with a new pattern. The introduction of these new insignia patterns resulted in a hodge-podge of assorted insignia being worn through-out the war. Also included are a nice quality, straight legged black wool pants with a whipcord weave. Original buttons and suspenders are complete. Nice set.