Opinions On SS-TK Six Button Blouse

[cavguy]

I would like ask the experts here, what are your opinions on this SS Blouse? In particular, do you think the insignia is original to the blouse?

[NickG]

Dutch tailored is my guess! Nice example!

[cavguy]

Question, Why would this SS tunic have six buttons as opposed to the five buttons normally seen on SS tunics?

[phild]

Question, Why would this SS tunic have six buttons as opposed to the five buttons normally seen on SS tunics?

On private purchase custom made tunics six buttons were often (mostly) used after mid-41 even for W-SS.

[istra63]

To ascertain as to whether the insignia is original to the uniform
(pre 1945) would probably need a hands on inspection.
More often than not six button fronts can be associatied with
larger uniforms(generally tailor made).
Note-this is not a combat uniform as such

[cavguy]

Thanks for the replies everyone, was it common to see these private tailored tunics worn without cuff-titles, or were most worn with cuff-titles?

[Ian Hulley]

Thanks for the replies everyone, was it common to see these private tailored tunics worn without cuff-titles, or were most worn with cuff-titles?

That would of course depend on the unit .... not all TK units were endowed with a cufftitle .. TKJRGT1 for example. Only veterans of other units WITH a cufftitle would be entitled to wear one. Veterans of the KL system for example would not, unless they were 'Oberbayern' for e.g.

Personally I'd like a flat shot above the breast pocket

Ian.

[RobertE]

Odd with earlier cord shoulderboard piping with hand-sewn buttonholes on a tailor made quality tunic with a later (common) Dachau-haul type TK tab.

I would be looking very hard at this tunic. I would vote for a rebadged army officer's tunic given the internal hanger more appropriate for senior ranks, non-rock cut on a tailor tunic, turnback officer cuffs on a lower NCO grade, and higher quality material in a fairly chunky size such as you might see on a more senior person.

Just my two cents.

s/f Robert

[cavguy]

When I get time to check this out in person, I am going to see if there is a ghost or any signs of Wehrmacht insignia, as you cant tell from the pics.

[cavguy]

Also, the piping on the shoulder boards is white color indicating the NCO was affiliated with the Infantry branch correct?

[RobertE]

Yes, he'd be an infantry NCO.

s/f Robert

[Ian Hulley]

When I get time to check this out in person, I am going to see if there is a ghost or any signs of Wehrmacht insignia, as you cant tell from the pics.

I can see a circle above the flap and to the left of the button hole as we look .... but doing this if you stare long enough you can see anything you want to see.

Ian

[rbno]

Just a few thoughts:

If NickG is correct about the Dutch tailoring, it seems a little strange for a TK man to be spending enough time in Holland to have a tunic custom made, since the division fought on the Eastern front.

Although SS sew in straps existed, they are certainly not the norm.

He was the lowest level of sergeant, but has a dress sword? Possible, but I'd say a little unusual.

[NickG]

Just a few thoughts:

If NickG is correct about the Dutch tailoring, it seems a little strange for a TK man to be spending enough time in Holland to have a tunic custom made, since the division fought on the Eastern front.

The gabardine is not the typical ribbed Dutch cloth nor does the tunic have a Dutch "rock" style pack panel, nor does it gave 7 buttons...
all typical Dutch traits,
but sew in straps, sharp pocket corners, wide pocket pleats and button slits/buttons placed very close to the edge could be indicators of Dutch tailoring....

Possible unit: So perhaps not Totenkpf Division, instead SS-Totenkopfstandarte 11 (Das Reich)

Formed 11/11/39 in Radom with cadres furnished by SS-TK-Std. 4 and 7 in 3 Sturmbannen. Transferred 22/5/40 to the Netherlands
(Zandvoort area)
for coastal defense duties before Barbarossa operation.
Just a thought of course!
Who knows?


Here in Scheveningen Holland along the coast.

[chrischa]

Odd with earlier cord shoulderboard piping with hand-sewn buttonholes on a tailor made quality tunic with a later (common) Dachau-haul type TK tab.

s/f Robert

That is exactly what jumped out to me.

Why a late war tab and why such a (in my opinion) less attractive tab on a tunic such as this? I truly believe the nco would have aquired a better tab to fit with the tunic and his status.