East German Wachbataillon Dress Tunic

Honor Guard Dress Tunic

This is the dress tunic of the Wachbataillon, the honor guard unit of East Germany's National People's Army (NVA). The unit stood ceremonial guard and paraded at state occasions, so its uniform carried distinctions that line troops did not wear. Collectors of Cold War militaria, reenactors portraying the NVA, and anyone who wants an authentic piece of DDR history get the original government-issue garment here.

Features

• Stone-Gray Wool Blend — The heavy cloth comes in the stone-gray shade the NVA used for its service and dress uniforms.
• Honor Guard Cuff Title — An embroidered band on the left sleeve, called a cuff title, names the wearer's unit and marks him as a member of the guard.
• Silver Collar Tabs — Braided silver tabs on each collar point are the traditional German-style insignia worn on the dress uniform.
• Open Notched Lapels — The collar is cut to lie open and is meant to be worn over a shirt and tie.
• Four Pleated Pockets — Two chest and two hip pockets each have a center pleat for extra room and a scalloped flap closed by a button.
• Silver-Tone Buttons — Matching silver-tone buttons close the front and all four pocket flaps.
• White Cuff Piping — A white piped band runs around each cuff, the piping color used for ranks below general officer.
• Shoulder Strap Loops — Retaining loops at the shoulders accept NVA shoulder boards, the stiffened straps that display rank.

Issued by the NVA

The tunic was made in East Germany for the NVA, which served from 1956 until reunification in 1990. It follows the army's own dress pattern: a fitted four-pocket front, open collar, and the insignia that set the honor guard apart. A printed size label is sewn inside the collar, and the garment carries the original issue fittings, which makes it a far more convincing display or reenactment piece than a later copy.