(also ; ) was originally a medieval German term for an outer garment,Langenscheidt´s Encyclopaedic Dictionary of the English and German language: , Part II German-English, Second Volume L–Z, 8th edition 1999, ; p. 1.752 – Waffenrock / Service coat tunic. worn by knights over their armor.BROCKHAUS, The encyclopedia in 24 volumes (1796–2001), Volume 23: 3-7653-3683-1, page 488, definition: .
Later, became the generic term for any military uniform, including dress and parade uniforms, and also referred to epaulets or shoulder boards with rank insignia, as well as uniform cuffs, badges, and other insignia. As of 1945, the term is no longer in use by German-speaking armed forces, though the Swedish term for a military tunic is the cognate .
Historical roots was derived from the substantive wâfenroc or wâpenroc ("weapon tunic") of knights. It was often made from expensive silk cloth. The colors of this cloth corresponded to those on the shield quartering. In the spirit of this, the heraldic figures on the coat of arms were frequently designed with gold and silver embroidery.
In the Prussian Army, the service coat was commonly called . It was renamed to ("soldier's tunic") in October 23, 1842, by the Prussian cabinet order of His Majesty (). In 1843, it was finally renamed to .Word and tradition in the German Army (de: Heer), by Transfeldt – v. Brand – Quenstedt, 6th increased edition, Hamburg 11 H.G. Schulz 1967, p. 2, roots of the noun: . All German-speaking armies commonly used this wording, except for the Austro-Hungarian Army (later Austrian Army), where the designation was in use.
World War II use In its form as issued in 1935, it was a formfitting thigh-length eight-button tunic of fine wool, without external pockets. The collar was taller than the service tunic and bore more elaborate , embroidered all in silver-white and mounted on backing; smaller , similar in appearance to , appeared under the buttons on the dark-green Swedish cuffs. piping also edged the collar, cuffs, front closure, and scalloped rear vent.
Officers wore a formal belt of silver braid. Trousers were , with the outer seams piped in . In the full-dress uniform () the was worn with medals, aiguillette (officers), trousers and shoes, a peaked cap (), gloves, and sword (officers/senior NCOs) or dress bayonet (enlisted). Parade dress substituted the steel helmet and jackboots. Semi-formal () and walking-out () uniforms were as full-dress, but without aiguillette and with ribbons replacing medals.
Production and issue of the were suspended in 1940, and either the service or the officers' ornamented uniform was worn for dress occasions instead. However, the remained authorized for walking out for those who had or could purchase it. It was a widespread if unauthorized practice to loan a soldier a from regimental stocks to get married in, as evidenced by many wartime wedding photos.
Historical examples The gallery below shows examples of over the suit of armor.
The gallery below shows examples until 1945.
See also Adjustierung Tunic (military)
References