Grenztruppen Unteroffizer Walking out/service uniform.

[Jan Harms]

Hello, good people of the War Relics Forum! This is my first real post. After my trip to Germany, I picked up a Grenztruppen service tunic, with Unteroffizer shoulder boards. I would like to know if I am missing any pieces (besides the shirt, tie, boots and button), That would be needed with the uniform. I'm going for the uniform of a Career NCO in Berlin, so there are no medals/ribbons attached. Sorry for the bad picture quality, I took it with an older phone. Thanks!

[Jan Harms]

Here's a better photo. I don't know why it loaded sideways on the first post. Sorry!

[reneblacky]

Nice set, but it appears that the jacket is an officer's one, so you'll need the cap, belt and boards.

[Jan Harms]

Oh no! I wish I knew that before getting the wrong belt and hat. What makes it an officer's coat, if you don't mind my asking? Also, could I purchase a silver chinstrap, or what it's called for the hat instead of just buying a new one? Thanks!






Thanks,
Jan

[reneblacky]

Oh no! I wish I knew that before getting the wrong belt and hat. What makes it an officer's coat, if you don't mind my asking? Also, could I purchase a silver chinstrap, or what it's called for the hat instead of just buying a new one? Thanks!






Thanks,
Jan

Here's my half dummy display for you to see what is needed. A brown pistol holster helps too.

[Jan Harms]

Ah, I see that you are indeed correct. I don't know how I missed the piping and didn't notice the higher-quality collar insignia. If you don't mind, where did you get the shirt and tie? I've searched everywhere, but can't find them. It seems that a shirt for a size M48 tunic is rather rare these days.




Thanks,
Jan

[reneblacky]

Your best bet to find the shirt is German ebay, that's where I got most of my DDR junk. Here's an enlisted jacket, an NCO will have silver tress around the collar.

[Jan Harms]

Alright, i'll be sure to look there. Thank you so much for telling me this! I'm going to order a new braid/chinstrap/cord for the hat, a new belt, and some Leutnant shoulder boards. Thank you for your help!

[reneblacky]

Does your cap have the officer's cockade?

[reneblacky]

This is the enlisted type, note the quality difference.