Germany, Heer. A Rare Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland Black Wrap for a Decorated Unteroffizier

(Wehrmacht schwarze Panzerjacke eines Unteroffizier der Panzergrenadier-Division Großdeutschland). A rare and extremely well-preserved black Panzer wrap for an Unteroffizier of Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland, constructed of black wool cloth. It features a turned-down collar which transitions into double breast lapels, and which is reinforced on the reverse with machine-stitched darts. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs which are constructed of black wool with buckram cores, trimmed with rose-pink piping, pinned with aluminum Danziger-style Totenkopf devices, and which measure 35 mm (w) x 70 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by straps which are constructed of black wool, trimmed with rose-pink piping, bordered by silver aluminum wire tresses. Each measuring 50 mm (w) x 105 mm (l), the straps are attached to the wrap with an integral reverse strap which fits through an integral cloth ring at the outer edge of the shoulder, fastening with a pebbled metal button on the inner edge. The cuff of each sleeve has a hidden vertical slash which fastens closed with a single bakelite button. Stitched onto the right cuff is a title constructed of a black wool base, trimmed along both the top and bottom edges with silver-grey threaded tresses, and bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey inscription of “GROßDEUTSCHLAND”, executed in second pattern format. Stitched onto the upper right breast is an insignia consisting of a black rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 110 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) and demonstrating the characteristics of a 1939 pattern. Three sets of threaded loops are distributed around the upper left breast for the accommodation of badges with vertical pinbacks. The breasts close with seven black bakelite buttons on the right meeting an equal number of hidden and reinforced buttonholes on the left. Ribbons for the 1939 Iron Cross II Class and Eastern Front Medal are stitched through the top buttonhole. Multi-piece beige rayon liners are stitched in place at the breasts, with integral pockets at the lower right and upper left. Size dimensions are stamped onto the upper left of the respective liner, above a depot mark and date of “ST. 42”. The wrap measures approximately 42 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 56 cm, and an overall length of 64 cm (when folded on a flat surface). Minor, age-appropriate material fatigue is visible to the base material, but the wrap demonstrates no notable damage or wear. This scarce, mid-war example, issued to a decorated serviceman of an elite combined arms unit, remains in an extremely fine condition.