Untouched SS officer tunic and grouping

[Robert H]

are buttons on the photo silver or also green?

[Zauberflöte]

Just curious Jack, since obviously this tunic was manufactured while he still was in the Polizei; originally it would have had Polizei insignias attached. On the pictures I see no evidence for that, can you tell in hand?

[N.C. Wyeth]

Would be nice to see a clean-and-close image of this photo . . .

[cossack1648]

To address your questions.

Buttons on tunic are grey. I can't tell their color from the picture, silver or grey that seem light due to lighting. Maybe they are silver on pictures, and then he got them replaced to grey ones while in combat zone.
I see no evidence of former Police insignia. He probably had it converted by a professional tailor. Maybe not just replaced insignia.

As requested, close up of second period photo. It is the same pose, just taken from a larger distance, so less detail is visible. It is marked February 1943, so it was taken right after his transfer to SS. He served until August 1st, so he wore that tunic for another half a year in active duty and possibly combat after those pictures were taken. Maybe something to take into account, when wondering why the tunic today is not 100% identical to every small detail.

Jack

[N.C. Wyeth]

Thanks for taking the extra time to do that, Jack. Much appreciated.

A very interesting set you have there. On my screen, I don't think there would be any way to tell if those buttons on that B&W photo are silver or painted grey. At first glance, they do appear to be silver . . . but I've seen enough low-quality B&W photos that make [worn] grey-painted buttons look just like silver, when reflecting in the sun - so in my view, sometimes that can be a very tough call. If they were silver at one time, maybe they did get changed to grey by the man - who will ever really know? And if it were me, I certainly wouldn't want to wear flashy, shiny ones into a combat situation. I bet if you took photos of those buttons outside on a bright, sunny day - you might wind up with the very same effect . . .

[Robert H]

a bright sunny day makes green not silver, see color of the buckle and compare.
I am not interested to talk this jacket down in anyway but dont believe its the same tunic. I owned enoug tunics where example the pocket flaps stand up the same way since ever as well the wrinkles of the wear espcially on summer light weight tunics.

This is a nice original group anyhow when you know where it came out.

[N.C. Wyeth]

I am not interested to talk this jacket down in anyway but dont believe its the same tunic.

It was obvious that was where you were going with the question . . .

[Jeff V]

If you compare the picture to the tunic the sleeve eagle is quite a bit lower on the arm in the picture as compared to the location on the tunic. Not the same tunic IMO.

[cossack1648]

What about those details

[Zauberflöte]

What about those details

..indeed also the loops for the ribbon bar and some other pleats (such as the sharp one at top corner right collar just above the runes tab) appear 100% identical...

[Der Texaner]

Even the button on the left chest pocket is offset to the left a bit in both pictures. I believe it’s the same tunic. If everything in this group, including the photos, are not good enough to authenticate this tunic, then I would say it’s impossible to ever be certain on any item and have sound mind on anything in anyone’s collection. I have no dog in this hunt.

[Der Texaner]

Also, look at the bottom of the flap on the left chest pocket. It is angled every so slightly upwards to the right. The curves match 100%. Everything is an exact match. I have to wonder if people question it just for the sake of questioning it.

[Der Texaner]

If you compare the picture to the tunic the sleeve eagle is quite a bit lower on the arm in the picture as compared to the location on the tunic. Not the same tunic IMO.

This is easily explained, to me anyway, due to the fact the jacket is being worn in the original image and not in the others. Depending on how he is holding his shoulders, like comparing a relaxed stance to standing at attention will cause it to appear differently.

[MM1985]

I like this Details:

[Jeff V]

I have to admit those details are spot on.