Germany, Imperial. An Infantry Major’s Dark Blue Service Tunic

(Dunkelblaue Rock für Major der Infanterie). A well-preserved Hauptmann’s service tunic, constructed of a fine dark blue wool. The tunic features an up-turned and reinforced collar fully lined on the exterior with smooth red wool. The shoulders are flanked by boards constructed of white cotton with card stock cores, topped by four bands of interwoven silver aluminum wire piping interspersed with black threaded chevrons. Each measuring 40 mm (w) x 120 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with integral loops at the tunic’s outer edges and with coppered magnetic metal buttons on the inner edge. The sleeves feature Swedish cuffs, topped by a layer of red wool with an additional red wool flap, secured closed with three coppered magnetic metal buttons. Two threaded loops are stitched onto the upper left breast for the accommodation of a medal or ribbon bar. Eight coppered magnetic metal buttons are stitched onto each flap and meet an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the opposite side for secure closure. All buttons are maker marked on the reverse “J. ROBRECHT, BERLIN”, indicating manufacture by a prestigious firm which also produced edged weapons and other accessories. A vertical slit set into the lower edge of the reverse is flanked by scalloped flaps which are trimmed with red piping, and stitched with six coppered magnetic metal buttons. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece black rayon liner with an integral belt system set into the waistband, consisting of two straps which culminate in bronze buckles. Unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 43 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 54 cm, and an overall body length 68 cm. Demonstrating only minor and sporadic mothing and material fatigue to the base material, this high-quality, pre-war tunic remains in a near extremely fine condition.