Original Item: One-of-a-kind. The M35 dress tunic was introduced for wear by all ranks on June 29TH 1935 as the walking out, parade and ceremonial dress with the piped, stone grey long pants. The design of the M35 dress tunic was based on the Imperial German army’s service tunic but was a different color and generally of much higher quality. Originally all personnel were issued two M35 dress tunics but manufacture was discontinued in late 1939 or early 1940 and was to be reinstated at the successful conclusion of the war. Regulations of March 21ST 1940 stated that the M35 dress tunics that were no longer suitable for dress wear were to be modified and reissued to personnel of the replacement and reserve units for every day wear. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army’s Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their uniforms from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase garments of higher quality. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive.

This is a beautiful Named Heer Infantry Feldwebel's (Technical Sergeant's) M35 Waffenrock dress tunic, complete with the correct pants. The rear liner of the tunic bears a maker tag for Gebr. Reeh (Reeh Brothers) in SIEGEN i/W. (im Westfalen). There is another tag inside the left interior pocket, indicating the same maker, and it bears the name Unteroffz. R. Schmidt over a date of 18. November 1935. We are not quite certain on our reading of the last name, but it looks like this soldier was originally a Junior NCO, but later promoted after purchasing the Waffenrock. The base material of the uniform is made of a fine feldgrau colored wool. The wool shows no signs of any physical damage by misuse, with only a few specks of wear.

The collar is wrapped in a dark-green wool, and is decorated with “chain” stitching border. The base material of the two litzen on each side of the collar opening is Weiß (white), the Corps Color (Waffenfarbe) for infantry and motorized infantry. The two litzen themselves are woven from a fine silver flatware thread. The collar, and its insignia, are without any noticeable damage or mothing. The “sew-in” style shoulder boards of this Waffenrock have a dark green base wool, which is piped in white, and has a silver border all the way around. ONE rank pip is present on the shoulder boards, indicating the rank of Feldwebel, an NCO rank equivalent to a U.S. Army Technical Sgt. There is also the metal number 16, a unit marking that could mean the 16th Infantry Division.

The front breast eagle is a later green colored Pattern executed in white thread. The eagle is without damage and is originally sewn to the tunics breast by very neat hand stitching. Eight silvered buttons adorn the front of the tunic and all appear to be originally attached. The lower French style cuffs of the sleeves have a dark-green based wool, and are adorned with white piping and white backed silver litzen. The interior of the Artillery Waffenrock is lined with what looks to be a very nice rayon and cotton blend.

Featured on the right shoulder is a beautiful 1st Pattern Heer Army Marksmanship Lanyard without subsequent awards. This early version just has the Heer Eagle on a shield, with out the wreath and swords of the later versions. The condition is very good, showing only light wear, and is maker marked T. & S. on the felt backing, which has some light mothing. The bullion portions are still bright and look great.

The awards featured on the right breast are a lovely two medal bar which features the Wehrmacht Long Service Ward 3rd Class for 12 years of service, and the German WWII Western Wall / Siegfried Line Medal.

The included trousers are in the Stonegrey “Steingrau” color in a satinet wool, with white infantry piping, and are in very good condition. They exhibit light wear and staining in line with the condition of the tunic.

This lovely Named Infantry NCO M35 Waffenrock Uniform comes ready to research and display!

Approx. Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9”
Shoulder to sleeve: 23”
Shoulder to shoulder: 18”
Chest width: 20”
Waist width: 17”
Hip width: 21.5”
Front length: 30"
Pants: 32"
Inseam: 28.5"