Stuff in The Pockets

[Rev462]

And the back. It has a log for keeping track of transportation expenses.

[Rev462]

Last but not least...... a Milky Way wrapper!

Found this in the pocket of a 1980's vintage enlisted greatcoat. Apparently the DDR wasn't totally immune from decadent Western junk food.

[Mike G.]

Hi Rick,

Interesting items found in the pockets of those very early Tunics. I have two early Artillery Tunics and upon searching the pockets, found two DDR coins of currency in the pocket of one dated in the late 40s and early 50s.

The color-piped Panzer Parade Tunic is awesome. When you get it restored, please post again.

[jon m.]

Only thing I really found, besides a very used hankerchief, was a piece of paper with the soldiers name, rank, and unit.

[AR-11]

Here's the front of the Dienstauftrag.

Oh how I love the pics #29 and #30 ... It shows a Dienstauftrag from my Arty-regiment unit AR-11 in Wolfen!

Thanx Rick,
AR-11,Dirk

[Viktor]

Last but not least...... a Milky Way wrapper!

Found this in the pocket of a 1980's vintage enlisted greatcoat. Apparently the DDR wasn't totally immune from decadent Western junk food.

Genosse, This matter is under Investigation.....

[Rev462]

Dirk -

I hope the memories I conjured up were pleasant ones!

Mike -

I'll post a shot of the tunic with the collar tabs when I get a chance. I would have done it tonight, but had to shovel snow instead.

[Mike G.]

Rick,

Are you going to be able to restore the Cuff Bars too?

[Rev462]

Mike:

Haven't made up my mind about the cuff bars. I have 3 bullion Panzer cuff bars.

If I can complete the set of cuff bars without too much expense I'll probably put them on.

Even if I never put the cuff bars on, I'd still have an example of a parade tunic converted into a service tunic - like my black piped Pioneer officer tunic.

[Rev462]

As Mike requested, here is the Panzer tunic with collar tabs and 3 cuff bars in place. (Still searching for 1 more!)

The insignia have not been attached, merely set in place to show what the tunic will look like when it is restored. Anyone have an extra Panzer cuff bar?!

I'm still rummaging through the tunics in my collection looking for more goodies. I'll post more photos when I find something.

[uscob]

Many years ago I found a female Fire Volunteers Uniform, bit dirty, but with the ID inside issued on my birthdate Nov.13.1965.
Nico

[Mike G.]

Rick,

That Tunic is going to look awesome when it is completely restored.

Nico, you are a young man ..... lucky you.

[Rev462]

I really had to dig to find this latest batch of goodies. Makes me appreciate just how rare it is to find anything in the pockets.

Here is one of the most unusual tunics in my collection. It is a "transitional" tunic, that is, it is a KVP tunic with NVA insignia. There is a similar tunic pictured in Keubke/Kunz, "Militaerische Uniformen in der DDR 1949-1990", p. 106.

The collar tabs & shoulderboards are very early vintage. The shoulderboard buttons are painted gray and the tie strings are also very early vintage. It is also interesting that the collar tabs have Rear Services Waffenfarbe while the shoulderboards have Artillery Waffenfarbe. The degree of wear & soiling is consistent throughout so I believe the mixed insignia to be original to the tunic.

As an extra bonus, stashed in the inner chest pocket was a pair of very early Rear Services Soldat shoulderboards, complete with gray painted buttons and early tie strings. It's also interesting that the Waffenfarbe on these boards matches the collar tabs. Maybe the guy got promoted & put his old boards in the pocket?

[Rev462]

Here is a shot of the Rear Services boards. You can clearly see the old style tie strings and gray painted button.

[Rev462]

Next up is a late 70's vintage Vopo NCO tunic with "Betriebsschutz" sleeve patch. The tunic is exactly as I got it from the seller. The ribbon bar seems a bit over the top for an NCO, but I left it on the tunic.

Anyway, this tunic actually had a bandage in the bandage pocket. Of all my Police tunics, only 1 or 2 have had bandage packs.