Germany, Heer. An Infantry Hauptmann Piped Service Tunic, Unit-Attributed Example

(Heer Dienstrock für einen Hauptmann der Infanterie). A well-preserved Heer Infantry Hauptmann service tunic, constructed of a field-grey wool-blended cloth with a subtle whipcord weave. It features a turned down collar which is trimmed with white wool piping and topped by a layer of smooth green wool. The collar is flanked by tabs which are constructed of white wool with buckram cores, topped by silver aluminum wire insignia, and measure 40 mm (w) x 70 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by boards constructed of white wool with rigid card stock stock cores, topped by four bands of interwoven silver aluminum wire piping, and pinned with gilded numerals “132” (Infanterie-Regiment 132) and dual pips. Each measuring 35 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the boards are secured in place with stitching at the outer edge and with pebbled buttons on the inner edge. The cuffs are rolled up and secured in place with two pieces of stitching, with a length of white piping around the circumference. Four pleated pockets are set into the breasts, all closing with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled buttons. Stitched onto the upper right breast just above the corresponding pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark green wool backer bearing a hand-embroidered silver aluminum wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 105 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). Vertical loops are stitched into the upper left breast over and around the corresponding pocket for the accommodation of badges and a ribbon bar. The tunic closes with five pebbled metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left, with white piping appropriately trimming both. A multi-piece field-grey rayon liner encompasses the interior, and transitions into a pinstripe design through the arms. The upper left breast has a single interior pocket, while two loops descend from the armpits. Unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 42 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 64 cm, and an overall body length of 66 cm. Minor issues consistent with age and period wear are evident, and include sporadic material fatigue to the exterior material and wire insignia, with minor soiling to the interior liner, accompanied by a hand-stitched repair. This unit-attributed example remains in a better than very fine condition.