Germany, Luftwaffe. A Kuban Fallschirmjäger Service Uniform with Tunic & Trousers

(Uniform eines Luftwaffe-Fallschirmjägers). The tunic is constructed of blue-grey wool, featuring a turned-down collar flanked by a matching set of collar tabs constructed of a buckram core, the exterior constructed of bright yellow wool, the obverse bearing two gulls, denoting the rank of Gefreiter. A third gull on each tab has been removed, with two small pinholes remaining on the bottom of each tab, measuring 52 mm (w) x 38 mm (l). Secured to the shoulders is a set of shoulder straps via a single loop sewn onto the tunic, and via a single aluminum pebbled button. The shoulder straps are constructed of a grey wool upper and trimmed with bright yellow piping, indicating flight personnel, with field grey wool reverse straps bearing reinforced buttonholes meeting an identical buttonhole on the main strap. Each strap features a twisted silver aluminum chord, measuring 44 mm (w) x 104 mm (l). The left sleeve is adorned near the shoulders by a Kuban campaign shield, constructed of bronze, the obverse consisting of a shield bearing a stylized map of the Kuban region, topped by an inscription of “KUBAN” and the Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, in turn flanked by a date of “1943”, affixed to a zink backplate with a blue-grey wool backer, the patch measuring 70 mm (w) x 62 mm (l). Directly below the shield is a Gefreiter rank chevron, constructed of grey wool twill, the obverse bearing a silver aluminum machine-embroidered chevron in a “V” shape, measuring 78 mm (w) x 82 mm (l). On the left breast is a cloth version of a Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger badge, constructed of grey wool, the obverse bearing a machine-embroidered silvery-grey laurel and oak wreath, joined together at the bottom by a ribbon and overlaid by a diving Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika in yellow, measuring 58 mm (w) x 47 mm (l). On the right breast is a Luftwaffe eagle, constructed of silver-grey machine embroidery and clutching a mobile swastika in its talons on a grey wool backer, measuring 88 mm (w) x 44 mm (l). Positioned at the waist is one pleated pocket per side, both closing with flaps and secured via a single pebbled aluminum button. The two sides of the tunic are secured together using four larger and one smaller black bakelite buttons that are met by reinforced button-holes on the opposing flap. The interior is partially lined with herringbone pattern cotton, including the interior of the pockets. The interior also features belt straps suspended from the interior of either sleeve with matching aluminum belt keeper hooks. It measures approximately 44 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 59 cm, and an overall body length of 73 cm. The trousers that accompany this tunic are equally constructed of blue-grey wool twill. The waistband features eight belt loops with an integrated belt system consisting of dual side wool straps looped through magnetic keepers for an adjustable fit. The front of the trousers are secured via six black bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting reinforced buttonholes on the opposite side. Dual side pockets are located on the upper thigh of each leg, both secured with a single black bakelite button per pocket. A single back pocket is located at the upper right leg, also secured via a single black bakelite button. The trousers feature the remnants of cotton boot straps near the ankles. The trousers measure 36 cm across the waist, with an inseam of  74 cm, and an overall length of 105 cm. The tunic is in worn condition, with light soiling, very light mothing in select spots. There are period correct field repairs on the gull of the right collar tab,  by the stitching along the interior of the collar, near the left pocket, and on the interior of the left pocket. The trousers are equally in worn condition, including light fatigue to the wool on both the exterior and interior with light mothing, small field repair on the upper right rear thigh, and with small holes evident along the rear seam, in overall very fine condition.