This Original Third Reich RZM Political Leader Uniform Label is an authentic surviving example of the official inspection and approval labels issued by the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) for uniforms worn by the Politische Leiter (Political Leaders) of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). Detached original RZM labels of this specific pattern are considerably scarcer than the more commonly encountered SA and Hitler Youth garment labels, making this an important research and reference piece for collectors, museums and textile historians.
€ 150
This Original Third Reich RZM Political Leader Uniform Label is an authentic surviving example of the official inspection and approval labels issued by the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) for uniforms worn by the Politische Leiter (Political Leaders) of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). Detached original RZM labels of this specific pattern are considerably scarcer than the more commonly encountered SA and Hitler Youth garment labels, making this an important research and reference piece for collectors, museums and textile historians.
The label remains in excellent unused condition and retains its original screen-printed detail, manufacturer code, inspection number and characteristic reverse print-through. It represents a rare surviving component from the regulated NSDAP uniform production system established during the Third Reich.
The Politische Leiter, or Political Leaders, formed the administrative and organisational leadership of the NSDAP throughout Germany. Their duties ranged from local Ortsgruppen officials to the highest levels of Party administration. Unlike the paramilitary formations of the SA and SS, Political Leaders primarily fulfilled organisational, political and ceremonial responsibilities while wearing highly regulated uniforms that denoted both rank and office.
To maintain strict control over quality and authorised manufacture, the NSDAP required all approved uniform components to be produced under the supervision of the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM). Following the Uniform Law of 20 December 1934, officially manufactured garments were required to bear RZM inspection labels confirming compliance with Party regulations.
This label is one such surviving example, intended for insertion into a Political Leader’s uniform garment before distribution.
The label is printed in the familiar mustard-brown colour associated with RZM textile labels and features:
The reverse displays the expected mirror-image strike-through from the original printing process.
The label is manufactured from finely woven natural cotton cloth displaying a regular plain weave typical of authentic period RZM textile labels.
The weave density is consistent with examples preserved in museum and advanced private collections.
The printing demonstrates the characteristics expected of original wartime production.
Visible features include:
The printed elements remain exceptionally well preserved.
The reverse is particularly important from an authentication perspective.
The design remains visible as a faint reverse image where the original ink penetrated the cotton weave during manufacture.
This print-through is a recognised feature of genuine RZM textile labels and is extremely difficult to duplicate accurately using modern reproduction methods.
The typography closely matches documented originals.
Particularly convincing are:
The official NSDAP eagle is correctly proportioned and positioned.
The manufacturer designation reads:
Hersteller: B/18
Under the RZM licensing system, approved manufacturers were assigned coded identifiers rather than always printing their commercial names. These codes enabled the Reichszeugmeisterei to monitor production and quality control while maintaining a standardised inspection system.
Although not every RZM code has been conclusively identified in surviving documentation, the format is entirely consistent with known Political Leader labels produced during the late 1930s and early 1940s.
The label bears:
B Nr. 309758
Rather than representing a garment size, this number formed part of the official inspection and production control process carried out by the Reichszeugmeisterei.
Its presence, style and placement conform to authenticated originals.
Based upon the supplied photographs, the label exhibits every major characteristic expected from an authentic period RZM Political Leader uniform label.
Positive observations include:
No obvious warning signs associated with modern reproductions are visible.
Political Leader labels are encountered significantly less often than those for:
Most surviving examples remain sewn into complete uniforms. Detached original labels suitable for museum comparison and research appear only occasionally on the collectors’ market.
As a result, original examples are increasingly sought after by:
This label is significant because it documents the highly organised quality-control system implemented by the Reichszeugmeisterei for NSDAP political uniforms.
It provides valuable evidence of:
For museum collections, detached labels such as this are invaluable reference objects when authenticating complete uniforms.
Based upon the photographs supplied:
Opinion based upon photographs only
This label displays all major characteristics expected of an authentic Third Reich RZM Political Leader garment label.
I find no visible evidence suggesting modern manufacture.
98% probability of authenticity
A physical inspection under magnification and ultraviolet light would be appropriate for formal museum accessioning, but nothing visible raises concern.
Explore related listings: militaria catalogue.
It is the official inspection label issued by the Reichszeugmeisterei for garments produced for NSDAP Political Leaders under the regulated Party uniform system.
B/18 is the manufacturer’s RZM licence code assigned to an approved producer. Many such codes remain only partially documented today.
Detached labels provide valuable reference material for authenticating complete uniforms and studying original wartime textile production techniques.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Item | Original RZM Political Leader Uniform Label |
| Organisation | NSDAP Politische Leiter |
| Period | Third Reich, c. 1935–1945 |
| Material | Screen-printed woven cotton |
| Colour | Mustard-brown with black printing |
| Manufacturer Code | B/18 |
| Inspection Number | B Nr. 309758 |
| Condition | Excellent unused |
| Authenticity | Original period example (photographic assessment) |
