description
Physical description
Single-breasted, long-sleeved overshirt of brown cotton fabric, of 'blouse' style, featuring a turn-down collar edged in white and light blue piping, front fastening of five buttons, right epaulette of white and light blue braiding on a backing of light blue cloth, pleated breast pockets with scalloped button flaps, button cuffs and four brass belt hooks fitted into the lower hem of the shirt. All external buttons excluding the top and bottom front fastening buttons are of a silver rounded pattern.
Sewn to the right collar point is a rectangular collar patch of light blue cloth with '15/2' in white chain-stitched embroidery, denoting the 16th Sturm of the 2nd SA Standarte (Hochland). On the left collar is an identical patch but plain, denoting the rank of SA-Mann. Around the left arm is a NSDAP swastika armband.
Label
The SA 'Diensthemd', commonly referred to as the 'brownshirt' or 'braunhemd', was part of the uniform worn by members of the Sturmabteilung (SA) from 1925. The first pattern of shirt is believed to have been designed by Gerhard Rossbach, a paramilitary leader who had discovered a large surplus supply of khaki cloth in Austria, likely intended to make tropical uniforms for Imperial troops in East Africa but left unused due to the defeat of the Central Powers. In 1924, Rossbach's design was presented to Adolf Hitler while in Landsberg Prison, who then authorised it as the official uniform of the NSDAP. The first pattern of shirt was marginally different than the standardised pattern introduced in the late 1920's, of light brown cotton fabric with button-down collar points, a button fitted to either shoulder and a unique sleeve design that gave the appearance of a short sleeve being worn over the long sleeve. Insignia initially consisted of metal rank stars fitted directly to the collar, but in November 1926 coloured collar patches were introduced, the colour corresponding to the member's regional Gruppe; gold or silver buttons were a further way of distinguishing Gruppen that shared the same colour, as each colour was normally assigned to two Gruppen. Further additions included coloured collar piping in March 1929 and a right shoulder epaulette in 1933.
History note
The SA was founded in 1923 and played a significant role in the Nazi party's rise to power. By 1930 the SA had approximately 100,000 members, made up mainly of young men and First World War veterans. The SA offered them comradeship and a sense of purpose. The importance of the SA greatly declined after the purge of its leadership which took place on the 'Night of the Long Knives' (30 June 1934). Members of the SA were often known as 'brownshirts', in reference to the colour of their uniform.
