BACKGROUND: The Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), was originally formed in May 1923 under the auspices of the SA, Sturm Abteilung, (Storm Troopers), as the Stosstrupp Adolf Hitler (Shock Troops), and was redesignated Schutzstaffel, (Protection Squad), in April 1925 with the official acceptance of the name verified on the second anniversary of the failed Munich "Beer-Hall" Putsch on November 9TH 1925. Originally members of the fledgling SS had no official uniform until April 1925 when they adopted, what was to become known as the, "Tradition Uniform" and personnel were outfitted with the same brown shirt uniform and kepi as the SA. In November 1925 personnel of the newly formed SS adopted a black kepi, necktie, breeches and border trim on their armbands to distinguish themselves from their SA counterparts. On July 7TH 1932 the black service uniform, for Allgemeine-SS, (General SS), SS-VT, SS-Verfügungstruppe, (SS-Special Purpose Troops), SS-TV, SS-Totenkopfverbände, (SS-Death’s Head Units), and SS-SD, SS-Sicherheitsdienst und Sicherheitspolizei, (SS-Security Service and Security Police), personnel was first introduced to replace the brown shirt, "Tradition", uniform. In 1934 the black service tunic underwent a minor alteration by modifying the hip pockets from the original patch type to the slash type. After the outbreak of WWII the black service uniforms were eventually phased out of wear for all but Allgemeine-SS personnel. On June 8TH 1942 Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler ordered that all black service uniforms in the possession of Waffen-SS personnel were to be returned to clothing depots in an attempt to overcome material shortages. By 1943 even Allgemeine-SS were being outfitted with field-grey uniforms and the black uniforms were to be reintroduced at the successful conclusion of the war. Of Note: SS Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result the SS established the SS-Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system in Munich in 1935. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s were allotted a one time clothing allowance from the government with the amount varying depending on the individuals rank. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could also choose to purchase privately tailored garments of higher quality although the price may have been restrictive. The command structure of the SS, Schutz Staffel, (Protection Squad), was highly complex and had many different levels and offices with numerous functions. The basic regional organizational infrastructure of the Allgemeine-SS began with the SS-Oberabschnitte, (SS Districts), which corresponded roughly to the German Armed Forces, Wehrkreis, (Military District). Each SS-Oberabschnitte contained two or three SS-Abschnitte, (SS Sub-Districts), and each SS-Abschnitte was comprised of two to four SS-Fuss-Standarten, (SS Foot Regiments). The SS-Fuss-Standarten were number consecutively from 1 to 125 and starting in 1933 personnel serving with a SS-Fuss-Standarten began wearing the numerical designation of their unit on the right side collar tab. The SS-Fuss-Standarten were further divided into four Sturmbann, (Battalions) and a reserve Sturmbann which were again sub-divided into four Sturm, (Companies), per Sturmbann. EM/NCO personnel serving in these smaller units were authorized wear of an identifying cufftitle with the numerical designation of the unit served with.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, private purchase, black wool/rayon blend construction tunic features a vertical, four button, front closure with small, folded back, peak lapels and a lay down collar. The tunic has two, pleated, patch, breast pockets and two, diagonally angled, slash, hip pockets, all with scalloped button down flaps. All insignia is original application. Tunic shows heavy wear and has had some work to the belt supports. Both collar tabs and collar cord are in 2mm early style cord. Shoulder board has the silk black and silver RZM-SS 35 tag. The 17 collar tab is machine embroidered in cotton and shows wear. The period applied RZM cuff title is with blue edges 2nd Sturmbann II and number 7 Sturm. Tunic buttons marked H.D are all matching period and well worn, one RZM marked presumably a period replacement. Overall condition is heavy worn with high wear points and one or two snags. Good well used condition. Consistent wear to the nap of the cloth overall. Consistent wear the lining. One L shaped cut repair to the right shoulder. No makers label. An award has originally been pinned to the pocket and roughly removed. Roughly a size 34" chest. Wonderful untouched tunic!

GRADE ****1/4                             $