Germany, Ss. A Late-War Waffen-Ss Infantry Mann Service Tunic

(Waffen-SS Mann Waffenrock). This is a very well-preserved, late-war Waffen-SS Infantry Mann service tunic, constructed of field-grey wool. It features a plain collar constructed of black wool twill. Each shoulder bears a strap constructed of black wool, trimmed with white piping, with a grey reverse strap. Both straps measure 35 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) and are attached to the tunic with machine stitching at the outer edge and a pebbled, silvered zink button on the inner edge. The arms present plain with the exception of each cuff being rolled up to a depth of 155 mm, both being held in place by a piece of machine stitching. Each breast flap bears two pockets opening with stylized horizontal flaps, each of which in turn has a reinforced buttonhole meeting a pebbled, silvered zink button. The tunic is closed with five field-grey bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the right.

The exterior features are completed by dual magnetic metal belt hooks, emanating from two sets of vertically-arranged reinforced holes, allowing for an adjustable fit. The interior features a complete olive-drab cotton liner, into which are stitched two cotton straps bearing the aforementioned belt hooks. A single white cotton loop emanates from the center of the back. There is a single pocket located at the upper left breast, opening with a reinforced horizontal slit. The interior is completed by dual zink buttons stitched into the collar, along with a magnetic metal hook on the right meeting a magnetic metal loop on the left. The tunic is unmarked with the exception of a size stamp of “46”, which formerly appeared with an array of other size makers that have since been lost. All zink buttons are stamped on the reverse with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and code “M5/9” for maker Matthias Oechsler & Sohn, Ansbach. It measures approximately 435 mm across the shoulder, with an arm length of 620 mm and an overall body length of 680 mm. Some soiling and material fatigue are evident to the exterior. The tunic is in an otherwise near extremely fine condition.