Post Description

The parade dress tunic (Waffenrock) was introduced in June 1935 and presented a general appearance resembling the dress uniform of the old Imperial Army, incorporating traditional Prussian motifs. The tunic was designed without external pockets, and cut to fit closely. The wearer's branch of service was reflected by the display of Waffenfarbe - the system of colouring for uniform adornments. This was seen on the parade and walking-out dress as piping on the tunic, shoulder straps and trousers, and backing for the metallic thread Litzen - decorative "lace" bars - on collar and cuffs. The primary use of this uniform was as the ceremonial parade dress, when it was worn with the steel helmet, marchingboots and rifle belt order. Its secondary use was as the walking-out uniform for civil functions and off-duty formal wear, when it was worn with the service dress cap (Schirmmutze), shoes, and a highly polished issue belt. A privately purchased dress sabre was sometimes worn off duty bv NCOs, suspended by a hanger from under the tunic.