Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS Assault Gun Crew Wrap, Late-War HBT Example, by Becker & Co.

(Waffen-SS feldgraue Sturmgeschützjacke für einen SS-Rottenführer). A rare Waffen-SS Sturmgeschütze (Assault Gun) crew wrap, constructed of a field-grey herringbone twill (HBT) wool blended cloth. It features a turned-down collar which is flanked on each side by late-war, BeVo-style tabs, each measuring 40 mm (w) x 55 mm (l). The right side insignia tab consists of a black rayon base with a buckram core, bearing machine-embroidered silver-grey dual Sig runes, while the left side rank tab is similarly constructed of a black rayon base with a buckram core, and is topped by two silver aluminum wire tresses, bisected by black threaded bands, reflecting a rank of SS-Rottenführer. The shoulders are topped by straps which are constructed of black wool with dark field-grey wool underlays, and which are trimmed with red piping. Both measuring 45 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with an integral loop at the outer edge, and with pebbled metal buttons on the inner edge. The cuff of each sleeve features a short slash fastening closed with two bakelite buttons meeting reinforced buttonholes. Stitched onto the upper left arm an insignia consisting of a black wool backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 90 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Executed in a classic Dachau pattern, the eagle has been applied with period-original zig-zag stitching. Two threaded loops are set into the left breast flap for the inclusion of a pinback award. Five bakelite buttons on the right flap meet four reinforced buttonholes, with two embroidered loops, for flush closure. Stitched through the top buttonhole is a ribbon for a 1939 Iron Cross II Class. The interior features two pockets, with the left side stamped with a maker’s mark of “BECKER, GEISLINGEN-STG.”, indicating manufacture by Textil und-Bekleidungswerke Becker & Co. GmbH, Geislingen-Steige, above a partially-legible depot mark. The wrap measures approximately 45 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 56 cm, and an overall length of 54 cm (when folded on a flat surface). Demonstrating only minor material fatigue consistent with age and field wear, this late-war tunic, demonstrating all of the hallmarks of Germany’s material scarcity during the closing stages of the war, remains in an extremely fine condition.