Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Mint Gefreiter’s Parade Jacket, with Bekleidungsamt Kiel Mark, c. 1939

(Kriegsmarine dunkelblaue Paradejacke für einen Gefreiter). An extremely well-preserved Kriegsmarine parade jacket, constructed of dark navy blue wool. It features a turned-down collar which transitions into double breast lapels. Stitched onto the upper left arm is a Radio Operator specialist insignia, consisting of a dark navy blue wool disc bearing a machine-embroidered golden-yellow lightning bolt, measuring 60 mm in diameter. Also stitched onto the upper left arm is a Gefreiter rank insignia, consisting of a dark navy blue triangular patch bearing a machine-embroidered golden-yellow chevron, measuring 95 mm (w) x 80 mm (h). The cuff of each sleeve features five gilded brass buttons, each bearing a raised fouled anchor, emanating from non-functional buttonholes. Stitched onto the upper right breast is an insignia consisting of a dark navy blue wool base bearing a machine-embroidered golden-yellow Kriegsmarine eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 110 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). Two sets of threaded loops are set into the lower left flap, configured to permit the addition of badges with vertical pinbacks. Each breast flap retains nine gilded brass buttons, each bearing a raised fouled anchor, meeting an analogous non-functional buttonhole, with the exception of the uppermost buttonhole, which opens to retain a button and chain link clasp. All buttons on the tunic are maker marked on the reverse with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece black rayon liner which transitions into a pinstripe through the arms. Stamped onto the left armpit is a mark of “B.A.K. 1939”, indicating distribution from Bekleidungsamt Kiel, above an additional date of “22. 3. 39” and size dimensions. The jacket measures approximately 41 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 56 cm, and an overall body length of 58 cm when folded on a flat surface. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, this superb example remains in a near mint condition.