Manufacturing Labels, and ID-ing?

[jon m.]

If you ever turn an article of NVA clothing inside-out you should see a set of numbers stamped on each piece of fabric. Generally, at least in my experience, they match the numbers you refer to here. I assume this was so that the workers kept the right cut of fabric with the right uniform while it was being assembled. (Such as: this left arm goes with this right arm on this jacket. etc.)

I I believe the number in the upper right is unique to each tunic.

[ehrentitle]

If you ever turn an article of NVA clothing inside-out you should see a set of numbers stamped on each piece of fabric. Generally, at least in my experience, they match the numbers you refer to here. I assume this was so that the workers kept the right cut of fabric with the right uniform while it was being assembled. (Such as: this left arm goes with this right arm on this jacket. etc.)

That makes since, on WWII US uniforms they were called cutters tags. The cutters would cut out uniform parts from huge stacks of cloth and paper tags would be used to ensure that the uniforms were assembled with the proper parts.

[Ian Richardson]

okay Genossen, Im sorry to bother you all on such a 'rookie' matter and Im sure the duty car will soon be deployed as a result of my insubordination, but where on earth are the markings inside field jackets of the DDR? I currently own 4 strichtarn jackets 2 pants, (1 winter jacket/pants, 1 earlier external button tunic without slash pockets, and 2 later issue internal button models with slash pockets) I CANNOT find any markings (other than random numbers inside one jacket) in the usual 'inside pocket' area, nor anywhere on the tunic. Please help me and my rookie tendencies...

p.s.- when was the strichtarn jacket design changed to include the lower slash pockets and covered pocket buttons?

-Ian

[Ian Richardson]

Any thoughts?