Germany, Third Reich. A Pair of Black Breeches, for Issue to Allgemeine SS and NSKK Personnel

(Stiefelhose). A well-preserved pair of breeches, constructed of black wool. The back of the waistband features two straps of identical wool construction, fastening closed with black bakelite buttons to provide an integral belt. Side pockets are set into the upper part of each leg, both opening with reinforced diagonal slashes, while a single back pocket located at the upper right leg closes with a black bakelite button. A French fly closes with five hidden bakelite buttons on the right side meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Each ankle has a vertical slash which fastens closed with five bakelite buttons meeting an equal number of buttonholes. A partial white cotton interior liner surrounds the waistband and also forms the compartments of the pockets. Unmarked, the breeches measure 42 cm across the waist, with a total length of 98 cm (when folded on a flat surface). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include the replacement of some buttons and sporadic material fatigue through the base material (with hand-stitched repairs to the latter). A cross-branch example issues to Allgemeine SS and NSKK personnel (the absence of scalloped pockets making the latter less likely), these breeches remain in a very fine condition.