Germany, HJ. A Flak Helper’s Greatcoat

(HJ Mantel für Flakhelfer). A well-preserved HJ flak helper’s greatcoat, constructed of dark slate-grey wool. It features a turned-down collar, with the reverse of the left side featuring an integral strap perforated with buttonholes, in turn meeting a bakelite button on the right for flush closure. The shoulders are flanked on each side by a loop and pebbled magnetic metal button for the addition of straps. The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 15 cm and secured in place with two pieces of stitching. The upper breasts have pleated pockets which close with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes, in turn meeting pebbled magnetic metal buttons. Side pockets are set into the waistband and open with diagonal flaps. It closes with six pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. The interior is encompassed by a partial slate-grey rayon liner, with a pocket set into the upper left. It is unmarked with the exception of an illegible white inscription stamped onto the interior of the lower left pocket flap. The greatcoat measures approximately 40 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 68 cm, and an overall length of 118 cm. Minor material fatigue consistent with age and period wear is evident, but this quintessential example of an HJ flak helper-specific uniform (introduced in 1943) remains in a better than very fine condition.