Germany, DAF. A Service Uniform

(Deutsche Arbeitsfront Uniform). A Deutsches Arbeitsfront (German Labour Front/DAF) service uniform, consisting of:

1 A tunic, constructed of dark navy blue whipcord wool. It features a turned-down collar reinforced on the reverse with machine-stitched darts, transitioning into double breast lapels. The cuff of each sleeve has a shallow vertical slit fastening closed with two black bakelite buttons bearing raised DAF insignia. Two pockets are set into the lower breasts and close with horizontal flaps. Three identical buttons are stitched onto each breast and meet analogous buttonholes on the opposite side for secure closure. Fitted through the left lapel is a DAF membership pin, constructed of aluminum and measuring 20 mm diameter. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece black rayon liner which transitions into a pinstripe design through the arms. Interior pockets are set into the upper half of each breast, with the right pocket retaining a tailor’s label bearing a typewritten manufacturer’s name of “M. NÄGELE HERRENSCHNEIDER”, and owner’s name of “E. METZGER”, and a manufacture date of “28. 4. 34”. The collar also retains a fully-intact DAF distribution label. Measuring approximately 42 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 58 cm, and an overall body length of 68 cm when folded on a flat surface. One button has chipped, and minor material fatigue is evident (with careful hand-stitched repairs), but the tunic remains in a near extremely fine condition.

2. A matching vest, constructed of dark navy blue whipcord wool. Two shallow pockets are set into the lower breast flaps, while the back features an integral belt in the form of two black rayon straps which fasten together with an adjustable black magnetic metal buckle. It closes with five black bakelite buttons (similarly bearing DAF insignia) meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left side. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece rayon liner featuring a geometric pattern. Unmarked, it measures approximately 38 cm across the shoulders, with an overall length of 56 cm. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, it remains in an extremely fine condition.

3. A visor cap, constructed of dark navy blue wool. It features reinforced side walls liner on the exterior with a black rayon cap band, the latter bearing machine-embroidered oak leaves interspersed with acorns. Pinned onto the peak is an insignia consisting of an oval and gilded magnetic metal disc, overlaid by a machine-embroidered DAF insignia, measuring 40 mm (w) x 55 mm (h) overall. The cap band is flanked by magnetic metal studs securing in place a two-piece black leatherette chinstrap, adjusted with dual magnetic metal buckles. Completing the exterior features is a protruding black vulcanfibre visor. The interior is fully encompassed by a ribbed blue rayon liner, and surrounded by a light brown leather sweatband, with ventilation holes distributed across the forehead. A transparent plastic moisture guard is retained on the crown and covers an intact DAF insignia. Additionally, the sweatband folds down to reveal a matching Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) label bearing a maker code of “16” for an unidentified manufacturer. The cap measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 25.5 cm (l) x 14.5 cm (h) as presented. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some bending of the side walls, scratching of the visor, and partial detachment of the sweatband. It remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.