Original Item: Only One Available. On June 17TH 1936, Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler was appointed to the newly created position of Chef der Deutschen Polizei im Reichsministerium des Innern (Chief of the German Police in the National Ministry of the Interior), effectively giving him full control of all police agencies within Germany including the Feuerschutzpolizei, (Fire Protection Police). As a result of this appointment and the restructuring of all the separate German state police into a single national police force, new regulations were instituted on June 25th 1936 to bring about uniformity in dress for all police through-out the country.

The Police were divided into eight assorted branches of service with each branch being assigned a specific identifying, Truppenfarbe, (branch of service color), with the Feuerschutzpolizei being allocated Karminrot (carmine red) truppenfarbe, which is close in color to magenta. The Feuerschutzpolizei were further distinguished from the other police branches of service with blue uniforms and headgear instead of the typical police green uniforms.

The German Police had no enlisted ranks, with the lowest rank being an Unterwachtmeister (Junior Watch Master), which was equivalent to the German army rank of Unteroffizier. The highest NCO rank was that of the Meister (Master), or Warrant Officer, which did not have an armed forces equivalent, but was higher than an army Oberfeldwebel (Master Sergeant).

This is a lovely example of a rare Feuerschutzpolizei Fire Protection Police Wachtmeister NCO's M-36 greatcoat, made of fine quality navy blue "doeskin" style weave wool. In form these tunics are more or less identical to the Army Heer greatcoat except for the colors and material used. They may also have some additional ornamentation when compared to the standard Army issue. These were preferred during the cold months, and have an unmistakable silhouette. The interior of the great coat is lined on the top with black rayon, and is in very good used condition. There is slash pocket on the inner left chest, and we checked all the pockets and usual spots, however we were not able to locate any maker information for the coat, which is almost certainly bespoke.

The great coat matches very well with the M36 pattern, with a navy blue "badge cloth" lay down collar and long cuffs at the end of the sleeves. The collar itself features Karminrot (carmine red) piping around the edge, the Truppenfarbe (Troop Color) of the Feuerschutzpolizei. The front features the correct "double breasted" 12 button front closure, featuring 6 buttons on each side, which are sewn directly to the fabric of the coat. These are all maker marked on the back, and look to be of steel construction with pebbled nickel silver top caps. There are diagonal slash pockets on either side at the waist, which have top flaps that can be worn both in and out of the pockets. The rear bottom of the coat has the usual 3 button closure, which would be used depending on the situation.

The button-attached style NCO schulterklappen (shoulder boards) of this tunic are bordered with a single row of of fine silver flatware "Russia Braid" double piping around the edge, with police chocolate brown chevrons woven into the design. Inside this is a row of brown double piping. The sides and bottom, as well as the attachment straps, are fire police Karminrot (carmine red). As the outer row of braid is open on the end, these are shoulder boards for the police rank of Wachtmeister (Watch master), equivalent to an SS-Unterscharführer or U.S. Army Sergeant.

Condition is very good considering the age, with the colors retained very well, and no major damage, just the usual light staining and wear from service. There are a few small moth holes and light wear to the fabric, but nothing out of line considering the age of the greatcoat.

This is a lovely example of a genuine German WWII Fire Police NCO's wool greatcoat and would display fantastically.

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 22”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16"
Chest width: 19”
Waist: 19"
Front length: 45"

Following the invasion of the Soviet Union the Greatcoat was found to be insufficient for the Russian winter and they were replaced by more effective clothing.

Overcoats in various forms have been used by militaries since at least the late 18th century, and were especially associated with winter campaigns, such as Napoleon's Russian campaign. The full-length overcoat was once again popularized by the use during World War I of the trench coat.

Stereotypically, overcoats used by the army tended to be single-breasted, while navies often used double-breasted overcoats. Overcoats continued to be used as battle dress until the mid-1940s and 1950s, when they were deemed impractical. However, in colder countries, such as the former Soviet Union, they continue to be issued and used. When more efficient clothing and synthetic fibers became readily available, the overcoat began to be phased out even there.