Germany, SS. A Rare SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 “Norge” Untersturmführer’s M43 Service Tunic

(Waffen-SS Waffenrock M43 für Untersturmführer der SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 „Norge“). A rare and very well-preserved M43 service tunic belonging to an Untersturmführer who served with SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 “Norge”. Constructed of field-grey wool, the tunic features a turned-down collar which transitions into double breast lapels. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs constructed of black wool with buckram cores, fully trimmed along the exterior edges with twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire piping. Each measuring 45 mm (w) x 55 mm (l), the right side insignia tab bears a machine-embroidered, silver-grey, sunwheel-style mobile swastika, while the left side rank tab is pinned with three silvered pips. The shoulders are flanked by boards constructed of black wool with card stock cores, trimmed with rose-pink piping, and topped by four bands of silver aluminum wire piping. Each measuring 34 mm (w) x 105 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with pebbled zink buttons on the inner edge and with reverse straps fitted through integral loops on the tunic’s outer edges. Stitched onto the upper left arm is an insignia consisting of a black wool backer bearing a machine-embroidered SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 90 mm (w) x 42 mm (h) overall. Directly below the eagle, the sleeve also features a regimental insignia consisting of a black wool backer bearing a multi-coloured machine-embroidered Norwegian national emblem, measuring 54 mm (w) x 64 mm (h) overall. Finally, situated just above the cuff is a title constructed of a black woven rayon base, trimmed along both the top and bottom edges with machine-embroidered silver-grey tresses, bearing a central inscription of “NORGE”. The cuff title measures 28 mm in width. The cuff of each sleeve features a vertical slit with a hidden grey cotton strap perforated with a reinforced buttonhole, in turn meeting two grey bakelite buttons for an adjustable fit. Each breast flap features two non-pleated pockets, all closing with horizontal flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes, in turn meeting pebbled zink buttons. Four sets of dual reinforced eyelets are distributed around the waistband for the accommodation of an optional belt hanger. The majority of the interior is encompassed by a multi-piece grey rayon liner. It features four straps with reinforced eyelets meeting the analogous belt loop holes set into the tunic, as well as a single narrow pocket set into the lower right breast. The same flap bears the partially-legible remnants of size dimensions in black ink. Otherwise unmarked, the tunic measures approximately . Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include soiling of the exterior wool and insignia, with additional minor fatigue of the shoulder boards and cuff title, with further sporadic fatigue of the interior liner repairs to the liner directly behind the three lower buttons. This scarce tunic, which demonstrates the unmistakable characteristics of a field-worn example, is in an overall near extremely fine condition.