Germany, Heer. An Infantry M43 Uniform for an Obergefreiter

(Heer Uniform M43 für Mannschaften der Infanterie). A complete and very well-preserved Heer Infantry M43 uniform for Enlisted ranks, consisting of:

1. A field tunic, constructed of field-grey wool with a coarse nap. It features a turned-down collar which is reinforced on the reverse with machine-stitched darts. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs which are constructed of silver-grey rayon with machine-embroidered dark grey tresses, both measuring 25 mm (w) x 70 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by straps which are constructed of field-grey wool and trimmed with white piping. Each measuring 45 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with loops at the outer edge and with pebbled metal buttons on the inner edge. The cuff of each sleeve has a hidden slash which closes with two bakelite buttons. Stitched onto the upper left arm is an Obergefreiter rank insignia consisting of a field-grey wool backer bearing two silver-grey threaded tresses, measuring 80 mm (w) x 70 mm (h). Four pockets are set into the breast flaps, all closing with horizontal flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes, in turn meeting pebbled metal buttons. The tunic closes with six pebbled metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Stitched through the third buttonhole is a ribbon for the 1939 Iron Cross II Class. The interior features a multi-piece beige rayon liner through the breasts and back, with the lower right also comprising a bandage pocket. Unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 42 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 54 cm, and an overall length of 72 cm. Material fatigue and soiling consistent with age and field wear is evident throughout the base material, but this untouched tunic remains in a better than very fine condition.

2. A pair of trousers, constructed of a matching field-grey wool cloth. The waistband features an array of straps with buttons and buckles to both accommodate suspenders and provide an integral belt. A French fly closes with six bakelite buttons meeting an equal number of hidden buttonholes. Two side pockets close with diagonal slashes and bakelite buttons. A partial beige rayon interior liner surrounds the waistband. Unmarked, the trousers measure 42 cm across the waistband, with an overall length of 100 cm. Demonstrating soiling and material fatigue consistent with age and field wear, they remain in a better than very fine condition.