This dark blue parade jacket of a Kriegsmarine radio petty officer represents a significant example of German Navy uniforms during the National Socialist era. With its acceptance stamp dated June 4, 1935, the piece dates to the early phase of the German Reich's rearmament.
After the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, the regime systematically began building up the Wehrmacht, with the Kriegsmarine officially founded as the successor to the Reichsmarine on June 1, 1935. This jacket originates from precisely this transitional period, as evidenced by the service number N222/35T and the acceptance stamp B.A.W.4.6.35. This early dating makes the piece particularly valuable historically.
The parade jacket (also called walking-out uniform) differed substantially from working and shipboard clothing. It was manufactured from high-quality dark blue cloth and served exclusively representative purposes and shore leave. The elaborate workmanship with hand-embroidered breast eagle in metal thread reflects the significance of this uniform. The Kriegsmarine breast eagle displayed the sovereign emblem of the National Socialist state and was a mandatory element of all uniforms after 1933.
The rank of Funkmaat (radio petty officer) places the wearer in the non-commissioned officer ranks of the Kriegsmarine. The designation “Maat” was traditionally the lowest non-commissioned officer rank in the German Navy. The career badge in metal attached to the left upper arm identified the wearer's specialization in communications. Radio operators belonged to the technical specialists aboard and were responsible for all radio communication of the ship - a task of considerable strategic importance.
The non-commissioned officer braids on the sleeve cuffs indicated the rank. These were more elaborately designed on parade jackets than on service uniforms. The gilt anchor buttons were a traditional element of naval uniforms and referenced the centuries-old maritime tradition. The loops on the left breast served to attach pin badges, such as for special qualifications or decorations.
The service number N222/35T inside the jacket is an important authenticity feature. The Kriegsmarine's service roll system served to uniquely identify every naval soldier. The number was hand-embroidered and accompanied the soldier throughout his entire service period. The prefix and the year 35 confirm the early origin of the piece.
The acceptance stamp B.A.W.4.6.35 (Wehrmacht Clothing Office) documents the official inspection and acceptance of the uniform on June 4, 1935. The clothing offices were responsible for quality control of uniforms and ensured they complied with military regulations. The existence of this stamp only three days after the official founding of the Kriegsmarine underscores the historical significance of the object.
The measurements of the jacket (shoulder width approx. 39 cm, outer sleeve length approx. 61 cm, total length approx. 50 cm) indicate a rather smaller or younger wearer. The Kriegsmarine uniform regulations were strictly regulated and specified in various dress codes. The parade jacket could only be worn on certain occasions and in conjunction with the prescribed additional garments.
The craftsmanship quality of this early Kriegsmarine uniform is remarkable. The hand embroidery of the breast eagle and the careful processing of all components testify to the high value placed on the Navy's external appearance. The Kriegsmarine consciously maintained the traditions of the Imperial Navy and placed great emphasis on a well-groomed appearance of its members.
Uniforms like this served not only practical purposes but were part of National Socialist propaganda and militarism. The elaborate design was intended to convey pride and belonging and to present the Navy as an elite service branch. At the same time, such objects today document the military-historical reality of this period and are important sources for research into uniform studies and military history of the Third Reich.
