Grenztruppen Tunic

[stoupas]

I recently purchased a Grenztruppen tunic that used to belong to well known civil rights era photographer Flip Schulke. Apparently he was in Germany when the wall came down and witnessed a member of the Grenztruppen throw his jacket to the ground and abandon his post. Mr. Schulke picked up the jacket and it ended up in a small but well stocked antique shop here in South Florida.

In any case, I have some questions about this particular piece. It didn't come with shoulderboards and I'm not sure as to what type would go on a jacket like this. Also, as it's a high collar, when I try to button the top button the lapel goes a little squirrely and tightens up to the point that it sticks straight out on the left side, is this normal? The size is g52 but I can't get a read on the date at all as the stamps on the lining are faded beyond recognition so if anyone could give me an idea on that it would be much appreciated. All I can make out is 1802 and g52 printed again. The rest is a mess really.

[Rev462]

There are 3 possible ranks that are correct for this tunic: Private (Soldat), Corporal (Gefreiter) and Staff Corporal (Stabsgefreiter).

This tunic could have been made anywhere from about 1979 to 1990. It is most likely from the mid to late 80's as this seems to be the most common vintage.

Not sure about the goofy lapel - it is probably not an uncommon thing. From photos I've seen, the tunic was only rarely buttoned all the way to the top. In most cases it was worn with shirt, tie and the top button open.

[grenzflieger]

Maybe these pics can help you:




I would would go for soldat and gefreiter oder stabsgefreiter schoulderboards and the last two can be combined with green postenführer straps

[Rev462]

Another possibility is NCO school (Unteroffizierschueler), but these boards are not as easy to get as Soldat.

[stoupas]

Thanks for the info guys, it was very helpful. If I was to buy some shoulder boards for the tunic would they come with the silver buttons? I've seen shoulder boards for sale without the buttons attached.

[grenzflieger]

Sorry Rev I was looking for the images and didn't see that you already gave an answer.

[Rev462]

Grenzflieger - no problem, a picture is much more helpful than a verbal description anytime!

stoupas: depends on the seller. Sellers don't necessarily include buttons & strings with their shoulder boards, but some do. If you're shopping on Ebay, check the item description. If you want, contact me - I can help with buttons, strings and maybe shoulder boards.

[grossmacht]

Stoupas:
Are you planning on wearing the uniform or just displaying it?
The funky lapel is probably due to storage. Sometimes when the uniforms sit in stacks or are folded for long periods of time they can develop "permanent" creases. I'm not sure if thats your issue, but i know i've seen it with some of mine.
I sent you a private message regarding shoulder boards, buttons and laces.
-dan