Germany, Navy. A Kriegsmarine Vice Admiral’s Service Tunic

(Kriegsmarine Uniformrock für einen Vizeadmiral). A well preserved example of a Kriegsmarine Vice Admiral’s service uniform tunic, constructed of a dark navy blue whipcord wool blend, featuring a turned-down collar that transitions into double breasted lapels. The cuff of each sleeve is adorned with three tresses, all constructed of gold-coloured bullion wires, consisting of one broad tresse and two thinner tresses directly above, denoting the rank of Vice Admiral, along with a five-pointed gold bullion wire star on a wool backer, that is sewn onto each sleeve above the tresses. Stitched to the right breast of the tunic is a Kriegsmarine eagle, constructed of machine embroidered gold-coloured bullion wire, clutching a wreathed mobile swastika and mounted onto a matching dark navy blue wool backer, measuring 103 mm (w) x 47 mm (l). A narrow diagonal pocket is set into the upper left breast and is overlaid by threaded loops for the accomodation of a medal ribbon bar, while more loops beneath the pocket to accommodate decorations with vertical pinback. Five fire-gilded bronze buttons are stitched onto each side of the tunic, all bearing raised fouled anchors on the obverse, and marked “Kriegsmarine 1938” on the reverse. Each button is met by a reinforced buttonhole on the opposite side for secure closure, with the top buttonhole featuring a red, white, and black striped ribbon for the Iron Cross 1939 Second Class. The interior of the tunic is fully lined with black rayon liner, transitioning into off-white through the arms, with one  interior pocket set into each breast. The collar features a label that is stitched to the tunic directly below the coat hook, reading “Kohrt Kiel”. It measures approximately 46 cm across the shoulders (seam to seam), with an arm length of 59 cm (seam to cuff), and an overall body length of 81 cm. This tunic shows light sporadic mothing in addition to very minor material fatigue consistent with age and field wear, remaining in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by trousers.