Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS Cavalry/Reconnaissance Enlisted Personnel M43 Field Tunic

(Waffen-SS Waffenrock M43 für Männer der Kavallerie/Aufklärung). A well-preserved Waffen-SS Cavalry/Reconnaissance M43 field tunic, constructed of coarse field-grey wool. It features a turned-down collar, flanked on each side by the machine-stitching outlines of tabs which have been lost to time, which transitions into double breast lapels. The shoulders are flanked by straps constructed of black wool with field-grey wool underlays, trimmed with golden-yellow piping. Each measuring 42 mm (w) x 116 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with integral loops emanating from the tunic at the outer edge and with pebbled zink buttons on the inner edge. The upper left sleeve demonstrates the machine-stitched outline of an SS eagle insignia which has similarly been removed from the tunic. Each cuff has a vertical slit which closes with two black bakelite buttons for an adjustable fit. Set into the breast flaps are four non-pleated pockets, all closing with straight horizontal flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled zink buttons. Four sets of dual reinforced eyelets are distributed around the waistband for the accommodation of an optional belt hanger. The tunic closes with five pebbled zink buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left side. The interior is partially encompassed by a grey cotton/rayon-blended herringbone twill (HBT) liner which presents in an atypical style. The liner features a single narrow pocket at the lower flap, multiple integral straps meeting the belt hanger eyelets, and is stamped with a black ink mark of “BETR. RA.”, indicating manufacture at Ravensbrück, above size dimensions. It measures approximately 46 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 58 cm, and an overall body length of 64 cm. In addition to the missing insignia the tunic demonstrates slight material fatigue consistent with age and field use, and remains in a near extremely fine condition.