Original Item: One-of-a-kind. 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.

This is a beautiful Named Heer Panzerjäger Hauptmann's (Tank Destroyer Captain's) M35 Waffenrock dress tunic, made by Heinrich Sieland of Dortmund, as indicated by the collar tag. There is another tag inside the left interior pocket, indicating the same maker, and it bears the name Haut. Kolb over a date of 10. 1. 38.. The base material of the uniform is made of a fine feldgrau colored wool. The wool shows no signs of any physical damage by misuse but does display some light mothing and tears, which look to have been repaired.

The collar is wrapped in a black wool, as opposed to the usual dark green, indicating it was made for a panzer officer, and is decorated with insignia and Rose-Pink piping. The base material of the two 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 two litzen themselves are woven from a fine silver flatware thread, and are the correct style for an M35 Waffenrock. The collar, and its insignia, are without any noticeable damage or mothing.

The “sew-in” style shoulder boards of this Waffenrock are constructed with two rows of fine silver flatware "Russia Braid" double piping and have the correct Rose-pink piping around the edges. Each features two gold pips, which denote the rank of Hauptmann (Captain). Both have Gothic "P" cypher and "16", indicating a Panzerjäger (tank destroyer) unit, most likely the 16th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Part of the 16th Panzer Division.

The front breast eagle is a correct officer's Pattern executed in silver wire. The eagle is without damage and is originally sewn to the tunics breast by very neat hand stitching. Eight silvered buttons adorn the front of the tunic and all appear to be originally attached. The lower French style cuffs of the sleeves have a black wool base for panzer units, and are adorned with the correct Rose-pink piping and litzen.

The Waffenrock has a very nice officer's dress aiguillette cord setup on the right hand side, held under the shoulder board and attached to the buttons. It is the correct WWII 1935 pattern, which had additional end fittings not seen in the previous versions used by the Reichswehr. The interior is lined with what looks to be a cotton and rayon blend, and is in very good condition.

The left breast of the jacket has several medal bars attached, which look to have been put on post war for display purposes only. There are both WWI and WWII pattern Iron Cross Ribbons, and others that are duplicated. Some also have the awards in the wrong order, so we assume that none of these are correct for Hauptmann Kolb. They can be left on display or removed as desired by the purchaser. They look to have been on the uniform for some time.

This lovely named Panzerjäger Officer's Waffenrock comes ready to research and display!

Approx. Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5”
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 18”
Chest width: 20”
Waist width: 19”
Hip width: 24”
Front length: 31"

The 16th Panzer Division (German: 16. Panzer-Division) was a formation of the German Army in World War II. It was formed in November 1940 from the 16th Infantry Division. It took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, operating in the southern sector of the Eastern Front. After the Soviet offensive in November 1942 the division was trapped in Stalingrad, where it surrendered in February 1943. A new 16th Panzer Division was formed in 1943 and sent to Italy where it was part of the unsuccessful German defense against the Allied invasion of Italy. Sent back to the Eastern Front in November 1943 the division once more saw action in the southern sector, taking part in the relief operation of the Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket and being part of the Kamenets-Podolsky pocket. It eventually surrendered to Soviet and US American forces in Czechoslovakia in May 1945.