Germany, Heer. A Set of Tropical Breeches

(Heer Afrikakorps Stiefelhose für Mannschaften). An extremely well-preserved set of Heer tropical breeches, constructed of olive-drab cotton with a gentle whipcord weave. The waistband features an integral belt consisting of an olive-drab cotton/rayon strap executed in a herringbone twill (HBT) pattern, emerging from two points at the front, with the left side retaining an olive-drab painted magnetic steel buckle complete with claws to fasten to its opposite side. A single belt loop is stitched into position on the left to secure the portion of the strap that exceeds the buckle. Two side pockets are set into the upper thighs, and open with reinforced diagonal slashes. An additional narrow pocket opens with a horizontal slash at the upper right thigh. A single back pocket is set into the upper right leg, and fastens closed with a single zink button meeting a reinforced buttonhole. A French fly features five zink buttons meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes perforated into a hidden flap of identical material. An additional layer of identical olive-drab cotton reinforces both the seat and the inner thighs. Vertical slits set into the ankles are flanked by ten sets of dual reinforced eyelets retaining original drawstrings. Two straps extend from the back of the waistband into the interior and fasten with zink buttons for the accommodation of suspenders, while four loops similarly bearing zink buttons are distributed around the interior of the waist. The waistband is stamped with size dimensions in black ink, above a mark of “M43” indicating distribution from Munich in 1943. The breeches measure approximately 42 cm across the waist, with an inseam of 30 cm, and an overall length of 91 cm when folded on a flat surface. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, these breeches, with a manufacture date that suggests late distribution to the Afrikakorps or other Heer personnel operating throughout the Mediterranean, remain in an extremely fine condition.