Germany, Wehrmacht. A Sumpftarn 43 Pattern Camouflage Smock

(Wehrmacht Tarnhemd für Scharfschützen). A well-preserved Heer/Luftwaffe camouflage smock, constructed of a multi-piece, weather-hardened, cotton/rayon blended cloth base. The exterior is machine-rolled with a classic Sumpftarn 43 (Marsh Pattern 43) camouflage with a mottle consisting of a predominantly green and olive-drab base, overlaid by irregular patches of brown with faded edges, in turn bearing narrow green splinters throughout. The reverse is finished in an unspoiled white, permitting use in winter conditions. The V-neck is flanked on each side by five eyelets retaining magnetic metal grommets for the accommodation of a drawstring which has been lost to time. Each sleeve features an integral strap perforated with a reinforced buttonhole, in turn meeting two grey bakelite buttons for an adjustable fit. Ventilation holes are set into the armpits, while two side slashes set into the waistband allow the wearer to access the pockets of an underlying uniform. A hollow channel set into the waistband retains an original drawstring which emerges two eyelets for desired wear. Unmarked, the smock measures approximately 46 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 70 cm, and an overall body length of 76 cm. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include soiling and fatigue to the base material, the latter sporadically repaired with patches of identical materia, and oxidation to the grommets. This scarce mid- to late-war smock remains in a very fine condition.