This manufacturer's label for ten tricot undershirts represents a fascinating aspect of German military logistics during World War II. These labels, printed on cardboard, were an integral part of the complex system of army supply that had to provide millions of soldiers with uniforms and equipment.

Wehrmacht Clothing Administration

The Wehrmacht established a sophisticated system for managing and distributing clothing items. The R-B.Nr. (Reichsbekleidungsnummer or Reich Clothing Number) 0/0761/0108 on this label was part of a comprehensive cataloging system that enabled the identification, tracking, and inventory management of all equipment items. Each number was specifically assigned to a particular article, its size, and specifications.

The Reich clothing number system was developed in the 1930s and continuously refined. It enabled centralized control over the production and distribution of millions of clothing items manufactured by hundreds of different producers throughout the German Reich and later in occupied territories.

Tricot Undershirts in the Wehrmacht

Tricot undershirts were basic undergarments for Wehrmacht personnel. These shirts, made from cotton tricot fabric, were worn directly on the skin under the uniform and served several purposes: they absorbed perspiration, provided an additional warming layer, and protected the more expensive uniform parts from direct skin contact.

The standard issue for soldiers typically included two to three tricot undershirts, which should be changed and washed regularly. In the reality of wartime conditions, particularly on the Eastern Front or in North Africa, this was often difficult to implement. Hygienic conditions in trenches and field camps were frequently precarious, underscoring the importance of adequate underwear supplies.

Production and Manufacturer Identification

The production of military clothing in the Third Reich involved an extensive network of textile factories, tailoring businesses, and suppliers. Manufacturer labels like this one served several important functions:

First, they enabled quality control. When defects were discovered in delivered goods, the manufacturer could be identified and held accountable. Second, they facilitated inventory management in depots and warehouses. The indication of “10 pieces” on the label suggests that tricot undershirts were packaged and delivered in standardized bundles.

Third, these labels served for accounting between manufacturers and military administration. Armaments production was subject to strict contractual regulations, and every delivered unit had to be documented.

Material Shortages and War Economy

As the war progressed, material shortages in the German Reich became dramatically more severe. Cotton, traditionally the preferred material for underwear, became increasingly scarce. The Allied blockade interrupted deliveries from overseas cotton-growing regions. This led to several adaptations:

From 1942 onwards, substitute materials and staple fiber (an artificial fiber based on cellulose) were increasingly used. The quality of tricot undershirts varied increasingly, and size and quality standards had to be relaxed. Recycling of textiles from occupied territories and reuse of material from fallen soldiers were systematically practiced.

Historical Significance

Such manufacturer labels may appear insignificant at first glance, but they document important aspects of 20th-century warfare. Modern industrial warfare required not only weapons and ammunition but a comprehensive logistical infrastructure to supply millions of soldiers with everything necessary – from food to ammunition to underwear.

The Wehrmacht's bureaucracy, exemplified by such detailed cataloging systems, demonstrates both the organizational strengths and weaknesses of the Nazi regime. While the system initially functioned efficiently, it became increasingly unwieldy with the overextension of German forces and increasing material shortages.

Collector and Research Value

Today, such labels are valuable sources for military historians and collectors. They complement our understanding of the everyday reality of war beyond battles and strategies. The preservation of such documents – even seemingly mundane administrative materials – enables a more comprehensive reconstruction of historical reality and contributes to documenting a dark chapter of German history.