Germany, Heer. A Late-War Sturmgeschütz Wrap to an Officer Candidate

(Heer Sturmgeschützjacke). A late-war Heer Sturmgeschütz (Assault Gun) crew wrap, constructed of field-grey wool twill. It features a turned-down collar which transitions into double breast lapels, and which is flanked on each side by tabs constructed of field-grey wool, trimmed with red piping, pinned with matching Totenkopf devices, and measuring 35 mm (w) x 75 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by straps which are constructed of field-grey wool, trimmed with red piping, bordered by a silver aluminum wire tresse, topped by a single pip (indicating a rank of Feldwebel), and wrapped with additional tresses indicating that the wearer was an Officer candidate. The cuff of each sleeve has a vertical slit which fastens closed with a single button. Stitched onto the upper right breast is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 110 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). The wrap closes with nine brown bakelite buttons on the right breast meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes and loops on the left. A partial cotton/rayon blended cloth liner encompasses the breasts, and includes two pockets. Stamped onto the left side is an illegible Reichsbetriebsnummer (RBNr.) with a district code beginning with “085”, size dimensions, and a manufacture date of “M43). The wrap measures approximately 44 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 58 cm, and an overall body length of 60 cm. Demonstrating material fatigue consistent with age and field wear, this superb late-war example, with construction reflecting material considerations, remains in a better than very fine condition.