Germany, Heer. A Parade Tunic for an Unteroffizier of Artillerie-Regiment 72, by Franz Herold

(Heer Parade-Waffenrock für einen Unteroffizier der Artillerie-Regiment 72). An extremely well-preserved Heer parade tunic for an Artillery Unteroffizier, constructed of field-grey wool cloth with a subtle whipcord weave. It features a turned-down collar which is trimmed with red piping, extending down through the breast flaps, while the upper edge is bordered with a silver aluminum wire tresse. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs which are constructed of red wool with buckram cores and topped by dual silver aluminum wire insignia, each measuring 35 mm (w) x 65 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by straps which are constructed of dark green wool, trimmed with red piping, bordered by silver aluminum wire tresses, and bear red embroidered numerals “72” for Artillerie-Regiment 72. Each measuring 45 mm (w) x 115 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with stitching at the seam of the shoulder, and with pebbled metal buttons on the inner edge. The cuff of each sleeve is topped by a layer of dark green wool which is trimmed with red piping and silver aluminum wire tresses, and decorated with dual insignia in the form of red wool patches overlaid by silver aluminum wire insignia and pinned with pebbled metal buttons. Affixed to the upper left arm is a Signals specialist insignia consisting of a dark green wool oval backer bearing a machine-embroidered red lightning bolt, measuring The tunic closes with eight pebbled metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Stitched through the third buttonhole is a ribbon for the 1939 Iron Cross II Class. A vertical slash set into the lower reverse is flanked by scalloped flaps which are trimmed with red piping, and overlaid by four pebbled metal buttons and two belt hooks of identical construction. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece field-grey rayon liner, with a single pocket integrated into the upper left breast. Two integral straps emanating from the waistband are capped with a functional magnetic metal buckle. Stitched onto the collar is a tailor’s label reading “FRANZ HEROLD, MAINZ”. The tunic measures approximately 43 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 58 cm, and an overall length of 70 cm when measured on a flat surface. The collar tabs demonstrate evidence of replacement, with stitching for original Enlisted ranks Litzen visible on the underside. Demonstrating no other evident damage or wear, this high-quality parade tunic remains in an extremely fine condition.