BACKGROUND: Brown was to become the official color of the N.S.D.A.P. and S.A. by circumstance rather than design. A large stockpile of discounted, surplus WWI tropical brown shirts and fabric, intended for wear in East Africa, were located in Austria in 1924 and purchased by the Nazis as a temporary measure to bring uniformity of dress to their party members. In November of 1926 the brown shirt was officially introduced, and retained, as the basic uniform item for the N.S.D.A.P. and S.A., and was eventually adopted by other political organizations such as the H.J., D.A.F., and the N.S.K.K.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A light tan, cotton twill construction, long-sleeved, waist-length service shirt with a lay-down collar and a five button front closure. A pleated patch pocket with a scalloped, button-down flap is to each breast. The quadruple darted cuffs have fold-back French cuffs with dual button closures for their removable buttons. The top and bottom buttons to the front closure are of tan-colored bakelite. Four darts are to both the front and rear of the waistband. To the reverse center of the waistband is a single vertical belt loop. The interior waistband and back shoulder yoke are lined in white cotton. Six small inverted pockets are sewn along the waistband for the, absent, belt hooks. Each of these pockets has "Bobi" and "Ges. Gesch." ("Gesetzlich Geschützt;" Protected by Law) ink stamped to them. To the base of each side seam are horizontal, elasticized straps with celluloid buttons, evidently intended to adjust the fit along the waistband. A tan and white oilcloth RZM tag is sewn to the lower interior right panel. Approximately a size 42. Mint unissued condition. Nice.

GRADE **** 3/4                             PRICE $655.00