Gauleiter Double Breasted Tunic # 375
Gauleiter Double Breasted Tunic # 375
The Gaulieter was a tremendously significant position during the Third Reich, becoming more and more powerful as the Reich evolved. The Gauleiter position was introduced following the Party's reconciliation in the wake of the Munich Putsch. After September 1939, Hitler turned his attention to the execution of the War, leaving much of the affairs of Party and State in the hands of the Gauleiters he personally selected. Under such circumstances, the Gauleiters were able to rule their areas of influence as they wanted, without regard to oversight, and in some instances in spite of Hitler.
I am pleased to offer here the tunic of a full Gaulieter in the exceedingly rare double breasted cut. It is in the fashionable 4th pattern style, with the ostentatious armband and collar tab combination that collectors/enthusiasts find so appealing. The hand embroidered Gaulieter tabs are substantial and stunning. One who appreciates the effort and detail that was put into these might find themselves staring at them all afternoon. The corresponding Gauleiter armband is proper with the wine-red piping on both the upper and lower edges and the beautiful upswept gold leafing thru the center. This tunic also has a private makers label on the inside, always considered a bonus and a really charming touch adding to the character and individuality of the piece.
Of course the most unique feature of this example is the fact that this is a double breasted model. These tunics are highly sought after, and collectors know well who have them. Because of the scarcity and desirability, they are traded and sold offline, never making it to shows or websites for the general public to have a shot at. The fact that this tunic is both double breasted and for a full Gauleiter and being offered publicly makes this a very choice opportunity. In my collecting career focused exclusively on the acquisition of Political Leader items, this is only the 3rd DB tunic I have had the pleasure of owning. This is one of those unique, centerpiece items that will have you return to your collecting room
for a final glance several times each night before retiring.
Due to the immense power of the position, Gauleiter tunics are highly sought after. During the National Socialist era, the Greater German Reich at its peak only had 43 Gaue. After the war, the Political Leadership, especially at the higher level, were deemed responsible for many of the atrocities, so indicting garb such as this was often destroyed.
Take into account the limited number of officials who could have worn this, the amount of responsibility the original owner would have had to bear for keeping this tunic, the rare cut of the tunic in the first place, the demand that collectors place on these now, and the fact that this is a 70 year old tunic, and the odds of having the opportunity to purchase this one can be calculated to a very precise
1:lifetime.
Private maker, superb quality. Visor, belt, and Insignia not included, but available.
Gauleiter Tunic Double Breasted Tunic