Germany, Imperial. A Rare Tropical Kolonial Schutztruppe Offizier-Stellvertreter Tunic

(Ein Uniformrock für einen Offizier-Stellvertreter der Kolonie Schutztruppe). A rare example of an extremely well preserved tropical uniform tunic belonging to an Officer Deputy of the German Imperial Colonial Forces. This tunic shirt is constructed of rugged cotton twill, featuring a traditional turned-down collar that transitions into breast flaps. Each flap has a horizontal-slit breast pocket and a horizontal-slit waist pocket, all secured shut via a scalloped flap and a single button that bears the royal crown. The collar has three loops in a triangular formation for the attachment of collar tabs. The collar itself is flanked on both sides by sew-on style shoulder boards. The boards are constructed of a buckram core, with a blue wool topper, and with two strips of silver aluminum bullion tresse. Each board has the number “2” unit cipher affixed to it, and is affixed to the tunic via a single matching gilded button, measuring 40 mm (w) x 108 mm (h). Both flaps are secured shut in the front via a series of seven vertically oriented matching buttons, that are met by an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the opposing side. The inside of the tunic is completely unlined, with the sleeves rolled up to form a cuff. It measures 38 cm across the shoulders (seam to seam), with a sleeve length of 60 cm, and an overall length of 84 cm. An example that is rare in this condition, with only light fatigue to the material from age and wear, in overall extremely fine condition.