Question on Collar Tabs

[usmedalman]

I am just starting to get serious about collecting DDR uniforms and the discussion thread on "put-together" tunics raises a question for me. What are the proper type(s) of collar tabs that one would find on Dark Collar tunics--both officer and enlisted? Also, is there a particular way the collar tabs were sewn on to the tunic...and if so, what are some clues that the collar tabs on a tunic may have been added post-1990?

Pictures would be helpful.

Thanks.
John

[Gordon Craig]

John,

As you may have read on the thread you refered to, tunics were often sent to be cleaned/washed and then were given to someone else. The tunic returned to you could be anyones. Tabs then were often removed and replaced. It is acknowledged that on some tunics with the metal collar tabs that they were originally put on the tunic by simply puting the tabs through the collar to hold them in place. Personally I don't like this opractice even if it was done from time to time. Those colar tabs that I have seen applied this way invariably wrinkle the collr and just don't look right.
In metal collar tabs you should expect to see them machine sewn on and the thread, at least on the long side, goes in sort of a semi-circle. On the woven style boards they should be machine sewn all around the edges. There may be those who disagree with me, and that is what this forum is all about, but this what I believe they should look like. Sorry that I do not have time right now to take pictures. Perhasp in the next few days if someone else does not beat me to it.

Regards,

Gordon

[Mike G.]

Hi John,

In the NVA, Dark Collar Tunics were worn from 56 to 74 by regulation. However, there is photographic evidence that clearly supports there was a two year overlap wherein wear of the Dark Collar Tunic was continued thru 76, and photo evidence to support that at least in the initial school enviornment for new recruits, they continued to issue and wear them thru 78. Shoulder Boards, Collar Insignia and Parade Cuff Bars changed over that period of time. Also, there was a difference between Collar Insignia worn on Parade and worn on the Service Tunic. And finally, there was a difference between Officer and Enlisted insignia.

I would encourage you to acquire a copy of Uniformeffekten der bewaffneten Organe der DDR Spezialkatalog Band II authored by Klaus Walther. It covers the entire spectrum and is a must have book for the serious collector of Dark Collar era uniforms.

As to the sewing. That one is tricky, and many times, rests with the knowledge and gut instinct of the collector. While many will argue that it is preferable for the the collar insginia to be machine sewen, the fact is, particularly in regards to the Service Tunics, these uniforms were altered every time they went to the Cleaner. And more often than not, the collar insignia was sewn on by hand when it returned from the Cleaners.

From a collecting aspect, it is important that the type of insignia present, match as best as possible the type and year of tunic. But, having said that, there will always be exceptions. One of my favorite Open Collar Tunics, which happens to be Stasi, and was acquired in 89 in Berlin from an East German, has Dark Collar, Collar Insignia and Parade Bars on it. And they are clearly original to the Tunic. Collecting Knowledge acquired over time and through research and interaction on Forums such as this, and a "Gut Check" every now and then serves to satisfy most questions. It never hurts to get second and third opinions either. Its done on this forum all the time.

Cheers, and welcome to a really neat hobby. Hope you stick with it.