This exceptionally well-preserved German WWII NSDAP Ortsgruppe Blockleiter brown shirt tunic, or Braunhemd, is a rare political leader service shirt complete with its original early-style insignia. Constructed of light brown cotton twill, the shirt features an integrated collar fully trimmed with blue piping for Ortsgruppe-level political leadership. The matching collar tabs are constructed of brown wool with buckram cores, trimmed in blue piping, and each bears a single L-shaped silver aluminum wire rank tress decorated with mobile swastika patterns, indicating the rank of Blockleiter, or Block Leader. An NSDAP membership armband is attached to the upper left sleeve with two rows of tight stitching, measuring approximately 106 mm wide and composed of a red wool band with a rayon-blend white circular patch and machine-embroidered black swastika. The shirt retains its gold-toned buttons, metal belt ramps, reinforced belt loops, and award loops for two awards. The cuff of each sleeve is rolled to a depth of approximately 70 mm and secured by dual polished magnetic metal buttons. The breast pocket buttons bear the raised NSDAP-style eagle clutching a swastika, with RZM markings and maker code M5/117 for Berg & Nolte of Lüdenscheid. The shirt closure includes additional RZM-marked buttons, including examples attributed to Sebnitzer Knopffabrik JOS. Koch, Sebnitz. The interior collar is stamped 48 and 38, and the waistband retains a sewn manufacturer’s label marked with a large RZM insignia, Diensthemd, Hersteller, maker code B 18/600, Reichszeugmeisterei der NSDAP, and numbered No. 352038. Minor wear and material fatigue are present, but the shirt remains in overall extremely fine condition.
The NSDAP political leader brown shirt was one of the defining uniform garments of the party structure, worn by officials responsible for local administration, organization, and political control. The Blockleiter served at the block level, below higher local and district offices, and was responsible for neighborhood-level party oversight, reporting, and mobilization. The blue piping identifies the Ortsgruppe level, while the collar tab configuration reflects the wearer’s rank within the political leader hierarchy. RZM-labeled and fully badged shirts are especially important because they preserve the regulated production, uniform structure, and administrative symbolism of the NSDAP as a functioning political organization.
This brown shirt is far more compelling than a loose insignia grouping, as it preserves the uniform as a complete political leader garment with collar tabs, armband, buttons, belt fittings, award loops, and RZM manufacturer label still present. Its exceptional preservation, Ortsgruppe Blockleiter rank, and rich interior markings make it a major piece for collectors of German political uniforms and NSDAP organizational material.
Dimensions: Approximately 450 mm across the shoulders, 600 mm arm length, and 520 mm overall body length. Size marked 52, with interior collar stamps 48 and 38.
Why Buy From Us?
- 5-star rated store trusted by collectors
- Fast, reliable shipping
- Expertly handled collectibles, always packed with care
