Also, many thanks as always to d'alquen for providing us with period documentation.
For the benefit of the non-German speaking members, here's a translation of the document in post # 47:
"The Head of the SS-Hauptamt
IA/O File ref.: B 44 a / 15th Sept. 38
Berlin, 7th March 1939
re: Grey work uniform of the Allgemeine SS
Distribution list IV a
In principle, the Reichsführer-SS has authorized the grey uniform (earth grey or field grey) to be worn as a work uniform by the Allgemeine SS so as to protect the black service uniform; however, this may be done only according to the following rules:
The grey uniform may be worn:
1. On drill duty by whole formations with the units, the staff companies, the full-time bands, the classes and training courses (SS-Führerschule Dachau, NCO courses etc.) as well as on technical duty by the engineer- and signals units.
2. By the drivers of service vehicles in the technical service or when driving trucks. The drivers of passenger cars wear the black uniform.
3. By the members of the SS-Hauptreitschule Riem, the SS-Übungslager Dachau, the SS-Remonteanstalt Hamburg, the SS-Kraftfahrschule Berne and the economic enterprises of the SS while within their facilities.
4. For riding duty and other sports duty of the staffs.
5. For office service, the grey tunic (drill or cloth) only, together with the black boot-cut trousers or long trousers, unless wear of the white tunic is ordered. On the way to duty and when leaving the office building, the black tunic is to be worn under all circumstances.
The grey uniform is forbidden:
1. As a walking-out uniform.
2. When visiting restaurants and other public buildings.
3. During sports events and riding tournaments.
One shoulder board is to be worn with the grey uniform.
The grey clothing will be supplied by the Verwaltungsamt-SS against payment only. Supply on loan or free of charge is not possible.
The Head of the SS-Hauptamt
[signed: Heißmeyer]
SS-Obergruppenführer"
I had chosen not to translate the designations of the SS agencies and schools within the body of the text. For additional clarity, they are:
SS-Hauptamt = SS Main Office
Verwaltungsamt-SS = SS Administration Office
SS-Führerschule Dachau = SS Officer School Dachau
SS-Hauptreitschule Riem = SS Main Riding School Riem (Munich)
SS-Übungslager Dachau = SS Training Camp Dachau
SS-Remonteanstalt Hamburg = SS Remount Facility Hamburg
SS-Kraftfahrschule Berne = SS Motor Transport School Berne
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