Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Wehrmacht Terek Cossack NCO’s Uniform Tunic with P38 Pistol Holster

(Wehrmacht Dienstrock für Freiwillige Terek-Kosaken). A rare and well-preserved Wehrmacht NCO’s uniform tunic, accompanied by a P38 pistol holster. The tunic is constructed of faded light olive-drab cotton twill fabric. It features a traditional turned-down collar that is fully lined with dark green wool and trimmed along the outer edge with a silver aluminum wire tresse. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs constructed of dark blue wool with buckram cores, topped by machine-embroidered silver-grey crossed lances, and measuring 30 mm (w) x 65 mm (l). The shoulders are flanked by straps constructed of dark green wool with field-grey underlays, trimmed with dark blue piping, and bearing three silver aluminum wire tresses (indicating a Sergeant equivalent). Each measuring 42 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the straps are secured in place at the outer edge with machine stitching and on the inner edge with pebbled and silvered zink buttons. Stitched onto the upper left arm is an insignia consisting of a grey cotton base overlaid by a machine-embroidered black and blue shield, topped by Cyrillic initials “ТВ”. The insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 70 mm (h). The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 14 cm and secured in place with two pieces of machine stitching. Secured to the upper right breast is an insignia consisting of a dark green rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 100 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). Each breast has two pleated pockets, all closing with scalloped horizontal flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes, in turn meeting pebbled and silvered zink buttons. It closes with five pebbled and silvered zink buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Stitched onto the upper left breast flap just above the pocket is a ribbon bar for a War Merit Cross II Class with Swords. The interior is plain with the exception of a single pocket on the left breast. Secreted within the pocket is a train ticket dated 8 August 1944. Unmarked, it measures approximately 44 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 56 cm, and an overall body length of 63.5 cm. Exposure to the sun and elements has faded the exterior material, which also demonstrates soiling and minor material fatigue consistent with age and field use, but the tunic remains in an overall better than very fine condition.

The tunic is accompanied by a P38 pistol holster, constructed of multi-pieces of heavy blackened leather. The shell is topped by a retractable lid, and features a side compartment for the accommodation of an extra clip. A magnetic metal stud set into the side of the lid meets a strap which emanates from the shell to firmly close during storage. The interior features an additional integral strap which emanates from an eyelet set into the shell. Dual belt loops are stitched into the reverse of the shell, which also retains a full-length adjustable shoulder strap. Unmarked, it measures 17 cm (w) x 25 cm (h). Demonstrating only minor, age-appropriate scratching and material fatigue to the leather, it remains in a near extremely fine condition.