This parade tunic (Parade-Waffenrock) represents a significant example of Wehrmacht military uniform design during the National Socialist era. The tunic belonged to a non-commissioned officer (Unteroffizier) of Schützen-Regiment Nr. 2, which was stationed in Meiningen in southwestern Thuringia. The uniform embodies the strict hierarchy and sophisticated system of distinctions that characterized the German Army of this period.
Schützen-Regiment Nr. 2 was based in the Thuringian city of Meiningen, as documented by the manufacturer's label “Karl Ansorg Meiningen.” This connection between regiment and local tailor was typical of the era, when uniforms were frequently produced by regional workshops according to military regulations. The Schützen-Regimenter (rifle regiments) formed an essential component of the Wehrmacht's motorized and later mechanized infantry.
The tunic is made from field-gray cloth (feldgrau), the characteristic color of German land forces since World War I. Field gray was introduced in 1907/1910 to reduce soldiers' visibility on the battlefield, replacing the previously used colorful uniforms. This color remained the standard base color for Army uniforms throughout the Wehrmacht period.
A particularly striking feature is the hand-embroidered breast eagle in metal thread on a dark green cloth background. The Wehrmacht's national eagle was worn on the right breast and symbolized National Socialist authority over the armed forces. The hand-embroidered execution in metal thread indicates a higher-quality parade uniform, in contrast to the machine-woven or printed versions found on field uniforms.
The dark green collar patches and sleeve insignia in metal-thread woven execution denote rank and branch of service. The pink Waffenfarbe (branch color) of the shoulder straps is of particular significance: pink was the branch color of anti-tank and armored units. This indicates that Schützen-Regiment Nr. 2 either belonged to a Panzer division or had a specialized role in anti-tank defense. Branch colors were regulated by Army service regulations (H.Dv.) and enabled rapid identification of unit affiliation.
The status as Unteroffizier is evident from the specific combination of rank insignia. Non-commissioned officers formed the backbone of the Wehrmacht and were responsible for the immediate leadership of small units. They stood between the enlisted ranks and the officers and were responsible for training and disciplinary leadership of their subordinates.
The loops for a ribbon bar and three pin-on badges on the left breast indicate that the wearer was prepared to display military decorations. During World War II, various orders and badges were awarded, including the Iron Cross, wound badges, and combat badges of various branches. These decorations were typically displayed on the parade uniform.
The gray silk lining and high-quality workmanship underscore the character as a parade uniform. Such uniforms were worn at ceremonial occasions, formations, and representative events, in contrast to the more robust field and service uniforms. The use of silk as lining material was a sign of quality and was primarily used in officers' and higher-quality NCO uniforms.
The measurements of the tunic (shoulder width approx. 41 cm, outer sleeve length approx. 61 cm, total length approx. 64 cm) correspond to the Wehrmacht uniform patterns of the time. The relatively compact dimensions suggest a wearer of average to rather smaller stature.
The mentioned minor moth damage is typical for textiles from this period and testifies to the organic nature of the materials used. Wool, the primary material for military uniforms, was particularly susceptible to moth infestation when improperly stored.
The location Meiningen had a significant military tradition. The city had been a garrison town since the 19th century and hosted various military units. After 1933, as the Wehrmacht was built up, Meiningen retained its importance as a military base.
This tunic stands as an example of the complex Wehrmacht uniforming system, characterized by a sophisticated system of colors, badges, and rank identifications. It documents not only military hierarchy but also the artisanal tradition of uniform manufacturing in the first half of the 20th century.
