Germany, Heer. An M36 Greatcoat

 (Heer Mantel). A well-preserved Heer M36 greatcoat, constructed of field-grey wool cloth. It features a turned-down collar, fully lined on the obverse with smooth dark green wool, which is reinforced on the reverse with an array of machine-stitched darts. A hidden strap situated on the left side of the collar features two reinforced buttonholes, in turn meeting a bakelite button on the right side for flush closure during wear. When not in use, the strap rolls back and is held in place with two bakelite buttons. The shoulders are topped by loops and pebbled buttons (one constructed of zink and the other of magnetic metal) for the addition of straps. Each cuff is rolled up to a depth of 14 cm and is held in position with a piece of heavy stitching. Two side pockets are set into the waistband and close with horizontal flaps. The back also features an integral belt, consisting of two straps, one of which is perforated with two reinforced buttonholes, in turn fastening through two pebbled zink buttons on the opposite side. The greatcoat closes with six pebbled buttons on each flap meeting analogous reinforced buttonholes on the opposite sides. A partial grey cotton/rayon blended liner encompasses the upper back and shoulders, with an internal pocket located at the upper left breast. A maker’s mark and size dimensions are stamped onto the upper left breast in partially-legible black ink. The greatcoat measures approximately 48 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 60 cm, and an overall length of 120 cm. Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include minor fatigue throughout the material, the replacement of a small number of buttons, and minor soiling. Demonstrating unmistakable signs of wartime use, this greatcoat remains in a better than very fine condition.