BACKGROUND: 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.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: High quality, private purchase, field-grey wool/tricot blend construction M35 dress tunic features a vertical, eight button front closure with dual metal hooks and eyes positioned at the forward neckline and a lay down, blue/green badge cloth collar. Collar tabs and shoulder straps are original period stitching. Shoulder straps would have had unit numbers at one time which have now been removed. High quality breast eagle has been machine sewn to the tunic going through the liner material meaning either that it was period upgraded or has been restored to the tunic. Buttons are original stitching. The tunic is roughly a size 36" chest.