These four original Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) SA Diensthemd labels represent an exceptionally scarce surviving group of unused Third Reich textile manufacturer’s labels intended for Sturmabteilung (SA) service shirts (Braunhemden). Complete sets of detached RZM garment labels are encountered far less frequently than labels remaining sewn into uniforms, making this group an important reference collection for researchers, textile conservators, museum curators and advanced collectors of National Socialist uniform artefacts.
€ 200
These four original Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) SA Diensthemd labels represent an exceptionally scarce surviving group of unused Third Reich textile manufacturer’s labels intended for Sturmabteilung (SA) service shirts (Braunhemden). Complete sets of detached RZM garment labels are encountered far less frequently than labels remaining sewn into uniforms, making this group an important reference collection for researchers, textile conservators, museum curators and advanced collectors of National Socialist uniform artefacts.
Each label bears the official SA Diensthemd designation together with the RZM insignia, SA emblem, legal text regarding authorised uniform production and an individual serial number. The labels remain unused and display excellent preservation of both the printed face and reverse strike-through.
Following the introduction of the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) control system, political uniforms produced for the NSDAP and its affiliated organisations were required to meet strict manufacturing regulations. Beginning in the mid-1930s, approved clothing manufacturers were licensed by the RZM and required to incorporate officially printed inspection labels within garments.
The SA Diensthemd, or brown service shirt, formed the basic item of dress worn by members of the Sturmabteilung (SA). Every approved shirt was required to carry an RZM inspection label confirming compliance with the regulations introduced under the Uniform Law of 20 December 1934. Museums holding original SA shirts, including the Imperial War Museums, preserve examples with comparable RZM labels.
The group consists of four original woven cotton SA Diensthemd labels.
Each label features:
Visible serial numbers include:
These labels display numerous manufacturing characteristics consistent with authentic period RZM production.
The labels are printed onto a tightly woven plain-weave cotton fabric.
The weave is uniform while retaining the slight irregularity expected from period textile manufacture.
The printing appears to have been applied by period screen-printing.
Characteristics include:
The reverse photographs are particularly significant.
The printed design can be seen penetrating through the cotton weave as a faint mirror image.
This “strike-through” is a well-known characteristic of original RZM textile labels produced by screen-printing onto woven cotton.
Modern reproductions frequently fail to reproduce this effect accurately.
The typography matches known period examples.
Particularly convincing are:
These small details are extremely difficult to reproduce accurately.
Based upon the photographs supplied, the labels exhibit all major characteristics expected from genuine wartime production.
Positive indicators include:
I see no obvious indicators of modern reproduction.
Each label carries its own inspection number.
Rather than indicating a shirt size, these numbers formed part of the RZM inspection and production control system used during manufacture.
Examples present include:
The close numerical sequence suggests they were likely produced during the same manufacturing period.
Detached original RZM labels survive in comparatively small numbers.
Groups of four matching SA Diensthemd labels are considerably scarcer than single examples.
Such groups are valuable as:
For museums and researchers these labels are valuable because they demonstrate:
They provide an important comparison when authenticating complete SA shirts.
Based on the supplied photographs:
Opinion based on photographs only
Authenticity is highly likely.
The labels exhibit the characteristics expected of original Third Reich RZM SA Diensthemd production.
Overall confidence:
95–98%
A physical inspection under magnification and UV light would still be recommended for formal museum accessioning, but nothing visible raises concern.
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Useful external references include:
