What Is This Uniform and Is It Real?

[Steve Campbell]

I just got this postcard portrait. I'm not sure what the uniform and armband is. Looks almost like RAD, but I'm not sure. I assume it's good, but it is on that Echte Photographie paper that has been linked to some suspicious photos. That being said, not all photos on this paper are said to be fakes. This one looks aged, unlike some of the others I have sen, although I guess taht could be reproduced too.

[Jan Klaassen]

It's clear he's missing his shoulderboards there!

[Steve Campbell]

It's clear he's missing his shoulderboards there!

Just noticed that! Wonder what uniform and armband it is?

[kuratorium]

Wonder what uniform and armband it is?

IMHO RAD member with Armband "Straßenbau".
Here for example another "Straßenbau" Armband :

[chrischa]

It looks like post war with offending insignia removed from his uniform.

Chris.

[Steve Campbell]

It looks like post war with offending insignia removed from his uniform.

Chris.

Why would someone pose for a formal portrait after the war in a wartime uniform, even with the insignia removed? At that time, with Germany in ruins and chaos, why even pose for a portrait?

Also, what is the signifigance of the armband?

[Tony K]

s

What about the German street car/trolly?

[Steve Campbell]

What about the German street car/trolly?

Is that what the armband is? Maybe it's postwar and this is what they used as thier work uniforms. I'd be happy enough with that as long as it's real. It's a liitle outside my main focus, but closely related and certainly interesting and probably harder to find than most of my shots. I like the odd civilain shot, plus I have collected non military portraits, like Railway, the Post Office, DAF etc.

[lohengrin]

It is definitely a photo made prior 1946... Very interesting one at that...

[Steve Campbell]

It is definitely a photo made prior 1946... Very interesting one at that...

Let's hear more. I never knew what this one was but I grabbed it so I could find out. Could be a hidden gem.

[Curt Steinbach]

I would certainly like to see what the concensus is. My thought is Strassenbahn (streetcar/trolley) like TonyK says. Maybe it is postwar wearing a modified uniform and that is why there is no Third Reich emblem.

[chrischa]

Why would someone pose for a formal portrait after the war in a wartime uniform, even with the insignia removed? At that time, with Germany in ruins and chaos, why even pose for a portrait?

Also, what is the signifigance of the armband?

Dunno.

I considered the uniforms still being worn in the late 40's and early 50's based on and including wartime materials and style and this seemed similar.

I then also considered why a wartime uniform had no insignia. I may not be the expert in wartime uniforms but I do know most wore insignia of some kind.

I also considered why a photo should not be taken post war. The Russians weren't standing on every street corner with a sub machine gun for years after the war.

I also considered if the photo was taken during the war, as I've seen a few, most if not all showed insignia, Nazi or other, as much as possible. Pride or desire to belong?

Lastly the armband does not show any signs of an eagle or swastika.
Germans were still allowed to use German words and phrases after the war.

Sorry I have a different opinion, I do not mean to be difficult just as I see it.

Chris.

[chrischa]

It is definitely a photo made prior 1946... Very interesting one at that...

What are the points that make you sure it is pre 1946?

Chris.

[-Ray-]

A LW cut, 4 button front at that.

[Steve Campbell]

Anyone else? Looks like it may at least be a real photo, not a reproduction or anything.