Germany, SS. A Tropical Service Shirt

(Waffen-SS Tropendiensthemd). A well-preserved Waffen-SS tropical service shirt, constructed of khaki tan cotton. It features a low, turned-down collar and scalloped yoke descending down across the shoulders in classic Sahariana style. Each shoulder is also topped by an elongated loop for the addition of straps. The cuff of both sleeves has a vertical slit closing with a single bakelite button, unfastening to allow the user to roll the sleeve up as required by activity or weather conditions. Affixed to the upper left arm with factory-original zig-zag stitching is an insignia consisting of a black rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered, khaki-tan, SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 90 mm (w) x 42 cm (h) overall. The breasts have two pleated pockets which close with bakelite buttons fitting through reinforced buttonholes perforated into the lower edges of the yoke. A vertical slit extends approximately halfway down from the neck, and closes with four bakelite buttons on the right side meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left side. The interior is plain and unmarked with the exception of a number “39” stamped onto the collar in black ink. Measuring approximately 46 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 60 cm, and an overall length of 89 cm, it demonstrates minor issues consistent with age and wear, largely confined to minor soiling and fatigue of the exterior material. This field-worn Waffen-SS shirt remains in a near extremely fine condition.