Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a very nice condition collar with insignia, which was cut off of a Panzertruppe Mannschaften (Armored Force Enlisted) M35 Waffenrock dress tunic. The collar is made with an internal stiffener wrapped in a flaschengrün (dark bottle-green) "badge cloth" wool, and the base material of the two bullion enlisted dress litzen on each side of the collar opening is Rosa (Rose-pink), which was the Waffenfarbe (corps color) during WWII for the Panzers (Armored Troops) and Panzerjäger (Tank Destroyers). The collar features pink piping around the edge without any tresse, correct for an enlisted man. The two hook and loop fasteners at the front of the collar are still present and functional. We even noticed some markings stamped on the stiffener inside the collar.

Condition is very good, showing little to no wear from service, though there is some scattered moth damage, particularly on the underside of the collar flap, which is protected from the light. The original stitching is still present, and this would be perfect for an Enlisted Panzer Waffenrock that has a damaged collar. It also makes a great display piece on it's own.

The M35 dress tunic was introduced for wear by all ranks on June 29TH 1935 as the walking out, parade and ceremonial dress with the piped, stone grey long pants. The design of the M35 dress tunic was based on the Imperial German army’s service tunic but was a different color and generally of much higher quality. Originally all personnel were issued two M35 dress tunics but manufacture was discontinued in late 1939 or early 1940 and was to be reinstated at the successful conclusion of the war. Regulations of March 21ST 1940 stated that the M35 dress tunics that were no longer suitable for dress wear were to be modified and reissued to personnel of the replacement and reserve units for every day wear. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army’s Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their uniforms from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase garments of higher quality. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive.