Germany, Heer. A Panzer-Regiment 5 Hauptmann Tropical Field Tunic, with Afrika Cuff Title, by Wilhelm Viohl & Co.

(Heer Tropen Feldbluse für einen Hauptmann im Panzer-Regiment 5). A rare and very-well preserved tropical field blouse for a Hauptmann who served with Panzer-Regiment 5, constructed of olive-drab cotton cloth. It features a turned-down collar, transitioning into double breast lapels, which is flanked on each side by tabs. The former are constructed of dark green wool with buckram cores, are topped by dual silver aluminum wire insignia bisected by rose-pink Waffenfarbe, and measuring 45 mm (w) x 75 mm (l) overall. Each shoulder is topped by a board constructed of rose-pink wool with a card stock cord, topped by two bands of braided silver aluminum wire piping, and pinned with a gilded numeral “5” situated within rank pips of identical construction. Both measuring 35 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the boards are secured in place with pebbled zink buttons on the inner edge and with integral loops emanating from the tunic outer edges, fitted through with straps extending from the boards. A slash set into each cuff fastens closed with a hidden reinforced buttonhole meeting two pressed card stock buttons, allowing for adjustment according to the wearer’s desire. Stitched onto the left cuff is an early Afrika cuff title, constructed of brown camelhair cloth, trimmed along both the top and bottom edges with silver-grey embroidered tresses, and bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey inscription of “AFRIKA”. The title measures 32 mm in total width. Four pleated pockets are set into the breasts, all closing with pebbled buttons meeting reinforced buttonholes set into scalloped flaps. Stitched onto the right breast just above the upper pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark green wool backer bearing a hand-embroidered silver aluminum wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 105 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). Three sets of vertical threaded eyelets are stitched onto the upper left pocket, with one set stitched onto the right, for the accommodation of badges and awards with vertical pinbacks. Additional sets of horizontal loops above the left pocket allow for the addition of ribbons bars. Five pebbled buttons on the right flap meet an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap to close the tunic, while a 1939 Iron Cross II Class ribbon is stitched through the uppermost buttonhole. Completing the exterior features are two sets of three reinforced eyelets perforated into the waistband for the addition of a belt hanger. The interior is plain with the exception of a bandage pocket set into the lower right breast flap, bearing a partially-legible maker’s mark of “WILHELM VIOHL & CO., BERLIN” in black ink. It measures approximately 42 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 62 cm, and an overall torso length of 72 cm when folded on a flat surface. Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and including minor soiling, fatigue, and fading throughout the base material (the latter a hallmark of sun exposure in tropical conditions), evidence of previous cuff title removal, and some fraying of the shoulder board wire. This unit-attributed example belonging to a member of a Panzer regiment which saw extensive service in the North African campaign, embedded with the Afrikakorps, which ultimately capitulated to Allied forces in May 1943, is a superb example in near extremely fine condition.