Germany, Heer. A Generalmajor’s Service Uniform

(Wehrmacht Heer Uniform für einen Generalmajor). A Generalmajor’s service uniform, consisting of:

1. A tunic, constructed of a field-grey wool/rayon blended cloth base with a gentle whipcord weave. It features a turned-down collar, fully lined with a layer of dark green wool, and which is flanked on each side by tabs. The former are constructed of red wool with buckram cores and topped by gold bullion wire Litzen, and measure 40 mm (w) x 100 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by boards constructed of red wool bases with card stock cores, which bear lengths of silver aluminum wire piping interwoven with gold bullion wire piping. Each measuring 40 mm (w) x 100 mm (l), the boards are secured in position with stitching at the outer edge and with pebbled and gilded magnetic metal buttons on the inner edge. Stitched onto the upper left arm is a Jäger insignia, constructed of a dark green wool base with multi-coloured machine embroidery, measuring 50 mm (w) x 60 mm (h). The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 14.5 cm and is fixed in place with two pieces of stitching. Four pockets are set into the breast flaps, all closing with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes meeting gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons, and with pleats to the top pockets. Stitched onto the upper right breast just above the corresponding pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark green wool base bearing a hand-embroidered gold bullion wire Wehrmacht eagle, measuring 100 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) overall. Loops and a central eyelet are distributed over and around the upper left pocket for the accommodation of decorations and a ribbon bar. The flaps close with eight gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right side meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Stitched through the uppermost buttonhole is a Third Reich-period 1914 Iron Cross II Class ribbon, affixed with a 1939 Clasp to the Iron Cross, constructed of silvered tombak, measuring 30.50 mm (w) x 31.08 mm (h) and demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece slate-grey rayon liner which transitions into a pinstripe design through the arms. A single interior pocket is set into the upper left breast, while two integral straps emanate from the waist and retain magnetic metal buckles. Unmarked, the tunic measures approximately  44 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 58 cm, and an overall body length of 68 cm when folded on a flat surface. Issues consistent with age and refurbishment are evident, and include evidence of restoration of the collar tabs and shoulder boards (with resulting disruption to the underlying material), replacement of the buttons, hand-stitched repairs to the base metal, and some fatigue of the interior liner. This period-refurbished example remains in a very fine condition.

2. A pair of breeches, constructed of a grey wool cloth base with a gentle whipcord weave. Six bakelite buttons are distributed around the waist, which is also flanked on each side by integral belts consisting of wool straps which fasten closed with functional magnetic metal buckles. A frontal French fly closes with four bakelite buttons meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes. Two front pockets are set into the upper thighs, both closing with bakelite buttons, with an additional narrow pocket set into the upper right leg, as well as a back pocket set into the same. The side of each leg is adorned with red wool tresses which extend to the calf, where both legs feature vertical slashes flanked by grommet-reinforced eyelets retaining period original drawstrings. The interior features a partial cotton/rayon blended cloth liner around the waistband. Unmarked, the breeches measure approximately 41 cm across the waist, with an inseam of 30 cm, and an overall length of 96 cm. Demonstrating minor and age-appropriate soiling and material fatigue throughout, they remain in a better than very fine condition.