Germany, Heer. A Flak/Artillery Stabsfeldwebel Service Tunic, Decorated Eastern Front Combatant

(Heer Waffenrock M36 für einen Stabsfeldwebel der Flak/Artillerie). An extremely well-preserved Heer service tunic for a Flak/Artillery Stabsfeldwebel, constructed of field-grey wool. The tunic features a turned-down collar topped by a layer of dark green wool, and trimmed along the outer edge with a silver aluminum wire tresse. It is flanked by tabs constructed of dark green wool with buckram cores, topped by silver-grey rayon insignia bisected by red bars, measuring 30 mm (w) x 70 mm (l). The shoulders are flanked by straps constructed of dark green wool with rigid cores, trimmed with red piping, bordered by silver aluminum wire tresses, and  pinned with three bronzed pips. Each measuring 45 mm (w) x 120 mm (l), the straps are fixed in position with integral loops at the outer edge of the shoulders, and with pebbled buttons bearing raised numerals “12” on the inner edge. The cuff of each sleeve features two silver aluminum wire tresses, indicating (“Der Spieß”, which, in conjunction with a rank of Stabsfeldwebel, indicates a soldier in service with regimental staff). Each cuff also features a hidden slit which closes with a bakelite button. Four pleated pockets are set into the breasts, each closing with a scalloped flap perforated with a reinforced buttonhole, in turn meeting a pebbled button. Stitched onto the upper right breast just above the pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark green rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 110 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). A number of threaded loops are set into the tunic over and above the upper left pocket for the accommodation of badges and a ribbon bar. Four sets of triple reinforced eyelets are distributed around the waistband for the inclusion of a belt hanger. The tunic closes with five pebbled metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Stitched through the uppermost buttonhole are ribbons for the 1939 Iron Cross II Class and the Eastern Front Medal. The interior is partially encompassed by a dark grey blended cotton liner, which features a narrow bandage pocket at the lower right flap. Stamped over the right side of the liner are size dimensions, an illegible maker’s mark, and a manufacture date of “38”. The tunic measures approximately 43 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 58 cm, and an overall length of 70 cm when folded on a flat surface. Demonstrating only minor signs of material fatigue, this field-worn tunic to a decorated Eastern Front combatant with a scarcely-encountered rank remains in an extremely fine condition.