Germany, Heer. A Field Tunic for a Generalmajor

(Heer Feldbluse für einen Generalmajor). A field tunic for a Generalmajor, constructed of a fine field-grey wool cloth with a pronounced whipcord weave. It features a turned-down collar which consists of a layer of smooth dark green wool situated over a rigid buckram underlay, with the remnants of an black rayon backer and machine-stitched darts visible. The shoulders are topped by boards which are constructed of red wool with rigid card stock cores, and which bear a length of silver aluminum wire piping interwoven with golden-yellow rayon threaded piping. Each measuring 42 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the boards are secured in place with an integral loop at the outer edge, and with gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the inner edge. The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 15 cm and secured in place with two pieces of stitching. Four pockets are set into the breasts, all closing with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes which meet gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons, with the top pockets pleated. Stitched onto the upper right breast just above the corresponding pocket is an insignia consisting of a field-grey wool backer bearing a hand-embroidered gold bullion wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 100 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Threaded loops are arranged over and above the upper left pocket for the inclusion of a ribbon bar and badges with vertical pinbacks. The tunic closes with six gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Stitched through the second buttonhole is a ribbon for a 1914 Iron Cross II Class, demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture c. 1940. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece field-grey rayon liner which transitions in a pinstripe design through the arms. An integral pocket has been set into the liner of the seam at the upper left breast, while an additional pocket is situated at the lower half of the same side, flanked by a wool-reinforced slit for the inclusion of a dagger hanger. Unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 42 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 60 cm, and an overall length of 70 cm (when folded on a flat surface). Issues consistent with both age and field wear are evident, and include the loss of both collar tabs, minor material fatigue throughout the base close, fatigue of the shoulder boards and breast eagle (the latter partially exposing the card stock frame beneath the wire), and some fatigue to the interior liner. This wartime example remains in a very fine condition.