Germany, Heer. A Tropical M41 Field Tunic

(Heer Tropenfeldbluse M41). This is a very well-preserved Heer M41 tropical field tunic, constructed of olive-drab cotton twill. The collar is trimmed with olive-green threaded tresses and is flanked on each side by tabs, constructed of grey cotton twill and bearing three bands of light-brown piping, measuring 22 mm (w) x 60 mm (l). Each shoulder has an integrated cotton strap and pebbled zink button for the accommodation of boards. The cuff of each sleeve has a vertical slit with a reinforced buttonhole meeting two horizontally-arranged grey bakelite buttons, allowing for an adjustable fit. Each breast flap has two pockets, all opening with stylized horizontal flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled, silvered zink buttons. Above the upper right breast pocket is an insignia in the form of grey machine-embroidered Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, set on a light brown backer and measuring 105 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). The upper right pocket has dual vertically-arranged threaded loops for the accommodation of a decoration with a vertical pinback.

The tunic is closed by five pebbled, silvered zink buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. A ribbon for a 1939 Iron Cross is stitched into the tunic and looped through the upper buttonhole. The exterior features are completed on the reverse by dual sets of three vertically-arranged reinforced eyelets through which are set silvered zink belt hooks. The interior has a single pocket, located at the lower right breast, opening with a reinforced buttonhole meeting a grey bakelite button. Two integrated grey cotton twill straps bearing the aforementioned belt hooks are set into the back. Each strap has six reinforced eyelets, allowing the hooks to be adjusted. Illegible white ink marks are apparent on both the lower left and right flaps, while the breast button area bears partially-legible size stamps. The interior features complete with an integrated loop in the collar. The tunic measures approximately 425 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 530 mm and an overall body length of 650 mm. The tunic is missing its shoulder boards and minor material fatigue is evident. It is in an otherwise near extremely fine condition.