circa 1938. Full dress uniform consisting of dark blue visor cap, dark blue dress tailcoat with waistcoat and full-length trousers, manufactured by tailor "H. H. Dohmessen & Co., Berlin, Hermann Göringstr. 4", July 1938.
The dark blue visor cap in high elegant saddle form, complete with hand-embroidered metallic thread effects, the cap band also dark blue with silver piping, silver cap cords. Interior with stone-gray leather sweatband, small silk bow at rear. Black silk lining, under the celluloid diamond with manufacturer "Mohr & Speyer A.. Abt. Deutsche Uniform Berlin W. Jägerstr. 14", size approximately 58. Lightly worn, condition 2.
The dress tailcoat of finest midnight blue cloth with black velvet collar and shoulder boards, with heavy silver oak leaf embroidery, both shoulder boards with additional national eagles. On the left forearm hand-embroidered rank insignia with broad oak leaf wreath and 1 star, also on black velvet. Silver-plated buttons with the eagle of the Reich Foreign Ministry. On the left breast with loops for 2 pin-on badges, on the right breast loops for an additional pin-on badge. The tailcoat interior with black silk lining. Matching dark blue waistcoat and full-length trousers, with broad silver side stripes with oak leaf decoration, all pieces by the same tailor in identical cloth quality. Minimally worn in perfect condition. The original tailor label "H. H. Dohmessen & Co. Berlin, Hermann Göringstr. 4" with handwritten designation "v. Pochhammer 12.7.38" was carefully removed and is included loose. Additionally 2 other tailor labels that were removed from other uniforms, marked "Konsul von Pochhammer, Oktober 28" belonging to his diplomatic uniforms from 1930 from his time as consul in Ceylon.
Wilhelm von Pochhammer (born 1892, died 1982) was a German diplomat who served in the Foreign Service from 1919. In 1938 von Pochhammer became consul in Santiago de Chile. From 1942 to 1945 as consul in Buenos Aires. After the end of World War II, 2 years in British captivity. In the Federal Republic of Germany again in the Foreign Service, from 1953 to 1957 Consul General in Bombay.
Photocopies of research documents on von Pochhammer's biography are included.
This uniform is illustrated in the reference book by Jill Halcomb “Uniforms and Insignia of the German Foreign Office and Government Ministries 1938-1945”.
A fantastic uniform ensemble of wonderful quality, fewer than 5 examples are known worldwide!

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Third Reich Diplomatic Corps Full Dress Uniform from the Estate of Consul Wilhelm von Pochhammer, Consul in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 1942 to 1945

The diplomatic uniforms of the Third Reich represent a fascinating chapter in German administrative history and reflect the Nazi regime's efforts to reshape all aspects of the state apparatus according to its own vision. The Grand Court Dress of the Diplomatic Corps presented here embodies the highest category of official attire for German diplomats between 1938 and 1945.

Following the seizure of power in 1933, the National Socialist regime gradually began reforming the uniform regulations of all Reich agencies. The Reich Foreign Ministry under Konstantin Freiherr von Neurath and later Joachim von Ribbentrop introduced new uniform regulations for the Diplomatic Corps in 1938. These regulations aimed to clothe representatives of the German Reich abroad in a uniform, representative appearance that combined both traditional diplomatic elegance and National Socialist symbolism.

The Grand Court Dress was the most distinguished category of diplomatic attire and was worn only on the most ceremonial occasions, such as state receptions, coronations, official banquets, or the presentation of credentials to foreign heads of state. The production of such an ensemble was exclusively carried out by selected Berlin master tailors specializing in uniform manufacture. Firms such as H. H. Dohmessen & Co. and Mohr & Speyer were among the most prestigious addresses for diplomatic and military clothing.

The design of the suit followed strict regulations: The midnight blue cloth was characteristic of all diplomatic uniforms and distinguished them from the uniforms of other Reich agencies. The tailcoat with its black velvet collar represented the traditional form of diplomatic dress as had been internationally customary since the 19th century. The elaborate oak leaf embroidery on the shoulder boards in silver was a typical element of National Socialist symbolic language and replaced the earlier imperial and republican rank insignia.

The rank designation in the Diplomatic Corps was indicated through a complex system of embroidery, stars, and oak leaf wreaths. Consuls wore specific rank insignia on their left forearm indicating their position in the diplomatic hierarchy. The silver-plated buttons bearing the eagle of the Reich Foreign Ministry were another distinctive feature identifying the wearers as representatives of the Foreign Service.

The peaked cap in a high saddle shape corresponded to the elegant style of diplomatic attire. The elaborate metal thread embroidery on the cap visor and band, combined with the silver cord, made this headgear a work of craftsmanship. The quality of workmanship and use of the finest materials underscored the requirement that German diplomats should outwardly represent the power and wealth of the Reich.

German diplomats such as Wilhelm von Pochhammer shaped the image of the Third Reich abroad. The diplomatic service in South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, gained increasing importance during World War II. These countries were important trading partners and potential political allies. Buenos Aires developed into a significant diplomatic post from which German interests in South America were coordinated.

The technical execution of these uniforms demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship in Berlin tailoring of the 1930s. Each piece was individually made and fitted multiple times to ensure perfect fit. The use of genuine silver thread for embroidery, finest cloth from German or English manufacturers, and high-quality silk linings made these uniforms costly investments.

After the end of World War II, most of these uniforms were destroyed or stored away. Many diplomats feared reprisals and removed all insignia of the fallen regime. The surviving examples are therefore extraordinarily rare. Experts estimate that fewer than five complete Grand Court Dress uniforms of the Diplomatic Corps exist worldwide in museums or private collections.

From a historical perspective, these uniforms document the ambivalence of the diplomatic service in the Third Reich. On one hand, they preserved traditional forms of international diplomacy; on the other hand, they served a criminal regime. Many career diplomats had already served in the Weimar Republic or even the German Empire and continued their careers under completely changed political circumstances.

The scholarly study of these uniforms, as conducted through specialized publications by Jill Halcomb and other experts, contributes to understanding the material culture of the Third Reich. These objects are important sources for uniform studies, textile history, and diplomatic history. They enable analysis and understanding of the self-representation and forms of representation of the National Socialist state, and how the regime sought to manifest its power through visual and symbolic means.