Germany, Imperial. A Hauptmann’s Dark Blue Service Tunic, by Gustav Gerörer

(Dunkelblaue Rock für Hauptmann der Infanterie). A well-preserved Hauptmann’s service tunic, constructed of a fine dark blue wool. The tunic features a reinforced up-turned collar fully lined on the exterior with a layer of smooth pink wool. The shoulders are flanked by boards constructed of pink wool with card stock cores, topped by four bands of silver aluminum wire piping interspersed with black threaded chevrons. Each measuring 38 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with an integral loop at the tunic’s outer edges and with non-magnetic metal buttons on the inner edges. The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 15 cm and trimmed along the top edge with a length of red piping. Two threaded loops are stitched into place at the upper left breast for the accommodation of a decoration with a vertical pinback. The tunic closes with six silvered non-magnetic metal buttons on each breast meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the opposite side. The lower reverse has a vertical slit flanked by pink piping and four silvered non-magnetic metal buttons. A multi-piece black rayon liner encompasses the interior and transitions into a pinstripe design through the arms. Two integral straps emanating from the waistband and culminating in magnetic metal buckles provide an internal belt. A single breast pocket is set into the upper left lapel, opening with a horizontal slash. Stitched onto the collar is a manufacturer’s label reading “GUSTAV GERÖRER, STUTTGART”. The tunic measures approximately 41 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 57 cm, and an overall body length of 91 cm. Minor mothing and material fatigue consistent with age and wear is evident throughout the base material, with some of the latter repaired with stitching, but this tailor-made pre-war tunic remains in a better than very fine condition.