Germany, SS. A Late-War Waffen-SS M44 Converted Field Tunic

(Heer Feldbluse M44). A well-preserved, late-war, Waffen-SS M44 converted field tunic, constructed of a Feldgrau 44 (field-grey 44) wool twill, which demonstrates a classic olive-drab tinge. It features a turned-down collar which transitions into double breast lapels, while the shoulders are topped by integral loops and pebbled magnetic metal buttons for the accommodation of straps. The cuff of each sleeve has a vertical slit fastening closed with a single hidden bakelite button meeting two reinforced buttonholes. The upper left arm bears the Two pockets are set into the breast flaps, each closing with a horizontal flap perforated with a reinforced buttonhole, in turn meeting a pebbled magnetic metal button. It fastens closed with six pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Two olive-drab cotton pockets are set into the interior of the breast flaps, each fastening closed with pressed card stock buttons, while golden-brown rayon reinforcements are stitched in place underneath the breast buttons. The right side reinforcement bears the partially-legible remnants of black ink size stamps. Otherwise unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 46 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 54 cm, and an overall body length of 54 cm. In addition to removal of the Waffen-SS sleeve eagle, which has left the remnants of stitching in the base material, the tunic demonstrates minor material fatigue and some loss of finish to the buttons. This late-war example, most commonly issued to Heer personnel but converted to Waffen-SS usage owing to deteriorating resources, remains in a very fine condition.