Germany, Heer. An Em/Nco’s M44 Tunic And Trousers

(Heer M44 Waffenrock und Hose). An extremely well-preserved Heer EM/NCO’s M44 tunic and trousers, the former constructed of olive-drab wool. It features a turned-down collar transitioning into double breast lapels. The reverse of the right side of the collar features an integral strap which meets two bakelite buttons on the reverse of the left side, allowing for a flush closure. The shoulders are each adorned with an integral loop and pebbled magnetic metal button for the addition of shoulder straps which have since been lost to time. A vertical slit is incorporated into each wrist, closing with a single bakelite button meeting two reinforced buttonholes for an adjustable fit. A single pocket is set into each breast flap, both closing with horizontal flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled magnetic metal buttons. Stitched onto the tunic just above the right pocket is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon triangle bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 100 mm (w) x 50 mm (h) overall. The tunic closes with six pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The interior features a large pocket set into each breast, as well as two straps with six reinforced eyelets meeting a single eyelet integrated into the tunic’s exterior for the accommodation of an optional belt hanger. Field-grey rayon liners are stitched onto the edges of the flaps, with the left side bearing a black ink Reichsbetriebsnummer (RBNr.) of “9/0836/0096” for an unidentified manufacturer, size dimensions, and a manufacture date of “E44”. The tunic measures approximately 440 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 520 mm, and an overall body length of 520 mm. With the exception of minor oxidation to the buttons, it is in an overall extremely fine condition.

The trousers are constructed of an identical olive-drab wool. The waistband features six belt loops and is overlaid by straps emanating from the exterior and fastening to the interior with zink buttons for the accommodation of optional suspenders. The trousers feature four pockets with two diagonal pockets at the front of the upper thighs, as well as two horizontal pockets at the rear, compensating for the counterpart tunic’s loss of two lower pockets. All close with reinforced buttonholes meeting bakelite buttons. An additional narrow pocket sits between the fly and front right pocket, similarly closing with a single bakelite button. The fly itself is of French variation and closes with five buttons (four bakelite and one zink) on the right side meeting an equal number of hidden reinforced buttonholes. Four zink buttons are distributed around the interior of the waistband, which also features a stamped Reichsbetriebsnummer (RBNr.) appearing to read “0/0446/0878” for an unidentified manufacturer, size dimensions, and manufacture date of “E44”. The interior of the trousers completes with three integral loops set into the seam of the waistband. Measuring approximately 430 mm across the waist, with an inseam of 330 mm, and an overall length of 965 mm, they are in an overall extremely fine condition.