BACKGROUND: The basis of the Reichsarbeitsdienst (National Labor Service) dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD (Anhalt Arbeitsdienst) and the FAD-B (Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern). Shortly after Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor, (February 1933) the NSDAP consolidated these, and other labor organizations into the NSAD (Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst) a national labor service. In June 1935 the NSAD was re-designated RAD. On its inception RAD personnel retained the previously used NSAD uniform.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, 1939 pattern, earth brown wool/rayon blend tunic with a fine whipcord weave. Tunic features a seven button front closure with a chocolate brown collar. Tunic has two pleated patch breast pockets with straight edged button down flaps and two diagonally angled slash hip pockets with forward edge curved button down flaps. Left pocket has award loops for two badges. Reverse vertical tail skirt vent with dual buttons to top edge. Left sleeve has a unit assignment shield hand stitched on (original stitching). Black machine woven rayon base with machine woven inverted spade head in silver/aluminum flat wire with red "230/5". Nice pair of Areitsfuhrer shoulder straps. Rank pips are missing from the boards, but would be a super easy restoration to add them back. Suburb matched pair of high quality collar tabs, with original stitching. Original NSDAP armband to the left sleeve. Tunic interior fully lined in gold/tan ribbed rayon with white striped sleeves. Lining has a horizontal slash left breast pocket and a brown wool reinforced diagonal slash to reverse of exterior left hip pocket for dagger hangers. Dagger hanger strap is complete. Buttons are all the silver washed pebbled type and most retain all of their silver wash. Buttons look to be original stitching. The forest green backing color indicates it was the administrative branch of service. Tunic in overall excellent condition, roughly size 36" chest. Nice tunic!