Infantry Lieutenant Tunic opinions.

[Raven26]

Let me share a little something with everyone. About ten or so years ago I came into a lot of East German tunics. To make a little extra money to feed my collecting I use to re-sew these adding the correct collars, French cuffs and reproduction insignia and sell them on ebay as repros. These jumps in the stitching chain come from modern non-commercial sewing machines. The newer non-commercial sewing machines do not have nearly the power of a period one. They have a hard time going through the materials cleanly and cause these jumps. I have NEVER seen a period sewn piece with these jumps in the stitch chain. I have seen it many times on pieces I made or other post war restorations. JM2C. Oh yes and never let who is selling an item get in the way of your judgment.

NTZ,

With utmost respect, I support most of your comments and observations. However, it is important for readers to remember there were thousands of tailors and sewing machines throughout Europe during this period. I would caution readers not to panic if they see "jumps" in their stitching. There are many contributing factors to consider when determining if an insignia has been re-applied.

In regards to this particular piece and from the photographs, the "jumps" appear to be poor stitching, and it looks to run off the edge of the collar tab. Thus creating a run-off from the edge and then brought back on line with the collar tab.

Personally, I regard all insignia to be re-applied, either war-time or post-war applied, until proven otherwise. For me, there are simply too many items that have been period changed or post-war restored and/or enhanced. I know that sounds contrary to my above comment, but it is just a piece of mind factor to keep me sane.

Thanks,

Frank

This is the revese of a M36 tunic collar. To me, this is a jump in the stitching. It is when the collar tab was applied: the sewing was stopped, the garment turned, and then sewing is resumed. To me, this is when "jumps" most often occur. It is enduced my the tailor and less by machine. Having said that, I also agree with NTZ concerning the power of the machine can cause "jumps".

[NTZ]

Frank you could be right but I have never, and I mean NEVER seen this on any originally applied insignia. I have only seen it on obviously poorly post war restored pieces. I am just saying that when I was sewing tabs on that the machine I used was not set up for this type of application and mimicked the pattern shown here. The reason it was happening is because the needle kept getting stuck in the material from a lack of power. I would certainly stand by the comment that if you see this that the odds are overwhelming that it was NOT done by the original tailor.

I also agree with you that jumps do happen on the corners on period applications but I was talking about the straight areas.

[Raven26]

Me too! When a tunic has more questions than answers it is not worth it.

I can't agree more.

In refrence to your comments, you and I speak the same language. I suppose my additional comments supplement yours. Both strait line and corners. Thanks, Frank

[NTZ]

I can't agree more.

In refrence to your comments, you and I speak the same language. I suppose my additional comments supplement yours. Both strait line and corners. Thanks, Frank

We are in full agreement.