Customs Tunic Question

[usmedalman]

I originally started a thread on an unknown tunic under the heading of a TRAPO tunic. However one reply suggested it might be a Zoll tunic. I had forgotten about the Zoll using green piping, so I dug one out and photographed the two together. Here is a photo of a standard issue customs tunic and my new unknown tunic. The tunic on the right is similar but much different in several respects. The tunic is not marked in any way. The holes for the should board buttons have stitching around the edges. The lining is blue/grey (more blue than the standard customs tunic) with dark blue lining in the sleeves. As you can see the fabric is different too. It is shiny and like a polyester. The pockets on the unknown tunic are lined with a green, very shiny material that has a very plastic feel to it.

Since the unknown tunic came in a batch of East and West German uniforms, can anyone say if it is an East German or not?

Thanks for your input,
John

[Rev462]

John:

I'd say this is definitely a Customs tunic, privately purchased.

There is bit of a difference in color, either due to time period or the use of custom materials.

The only Police agency that used green piping with a blue tunic (after 1952) was the Waserschutzpolizei, and they wore Navy-style blazers piped in green around the collar only.

I just thought of another example of how different custom made pieces can be. I have a custom made Vopo officer greatcoat. The lining is a beautiful, emerald green Rayon material and the inside chest pocket is on the opposite side of where they are standardly placed. No markings at all.