BACKGROUND: The use of collar ornamentation on military uniforms was utilized by numerous assorted nations with the main function being the indication of the wearers rank and/or branch of service. During the Third Reich era collar tabs for EM/NCO ranks underwent at least five minor alterations with the main modification being in the material and coloration utilized. Originally, (Circa January 1933-September 1935), EM/NCO’s utilized the Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), era collar tabs until a new pattern was introduced on September 10^TH 1935. The EM/NCO style collar tabs were worn in matching pairs by the ranks of Soldat to Stabsfeldwebel inclusively. The different branches of service within the German army were allocated a specific, identifying, waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), with golden yellow being chosen for Kavallerie, (Calvary), personnel which was generally displayed on the collar tabs. The M35 dress tunic was introduced for wear by all ranks on June 29^TH 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. The collar tabs utilized on the M35 dress tunic were also generally of much higher quality then those worn on the service tunics or field blouses and were generally worked in bright silver and mounted on branch of service colored bases.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, M35 dress tunic collar tabs feature machine woven litzen in bright, silver/aluminum flat wire threads with interwoven bright, silver aluminum, "branch of service" stripes mounted on lemon yellow wool bases which show through as the center stripe. The collar tabs are mounted on light tan buckram backings. The collar tabs are in overall very good condition with light age toning and some minor nap wear to the lemon yellow wool bases.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $70.00