Germany, Heer. A Rare Panzer-Grenadier-Division Feldherrnhalle Black Wrap for a Feldwebel, by DEKAWE

(Heer schwarze Panzerjacke für einen Feldwebel der Panzer-Grenadier-Division Feldherrnhalle). A rare and well-preserved black wrap for a Feldwebel serving with the Panzer-Grenadier-Division Feldharrnhalle, constructed of black wool. It features a turned-down collar which is reinforced throughout the reverse with machine-stitched darts, and which is flanked on each side by tabs. The latter are constructed of black wool with buckram cores, trimmed with rose-pink piping, pinned with silver-plated aluminum Danziger-style Totenkopf devices, and measure 35 mm (w) x 65 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by straps which are constructed of black wool, trimmed with rose-pink piping, bordered by silver aluminum wire tresses, and pinned with silvered Feldherrnhalle cypher and single pip. Each measuring 45 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the straps are fixed in place with stitching at the seam of the shoulder, and with pebbled metal buttons on the interior edge. The cuff of each sleeve has a hidden slash which fastens closed with two black bakelite buttons for an adjustable fit. Stitched onto the left cuff is a title constructed of olive-drab rayon cloth, trimmed along both the top and bottom edges with silver aluminum wire tresses, and bearing an inscription of “FELDHERRNHALLE” executed in identical wire embroidery. Stitched onto the upper left breast is a second pattern Panzer Troops breast eagle, constructed of a black rayon base bearing a machine-embroidered off-white Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 100 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). Three sets of threaded loops set into the left breast accommodate a ribbon bar and badges with vertical pinbacks. The wrap closes with nine black bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting hidden buttonholes on the left. Stitched through the top buttonhole is a ribbon for the 1939 Iron Cross II Class. The interior features a multi-piece grey cotton liner throughout the breasts with two pockets. Stamped onto the left side of the liner is a maker’s mark of “DEKAWE. FFM.”, indicating manufacture by a documented but unidentified Frankfurt-based company active in producing Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS garments. The maker’s mark is situated above size dimensions and a manufacture date of “F. 40”. The wrap measures approximately 42 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 58 cm, and an overall length of 64 cm when folded on a flat surface. Minor fatigue is visible to the straps, with one prong of the left side cypher showing a period repair, while the manufacture date of the base tunic and addition of insignia from a unit created during late mid-war period indicate that the garment itself was re-purposed during the war. This scarce example remains in a near extremely fine condition.