Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS Tropical Field Tunic, c. 1943

(Waffen-SS Tropen Feldbluse). A well-preserved Waffen-SS tropical field tunic, constructed of khaki-tan cotton cloth with a gentle whipcord weave. It features a turned-down collar, while a scalloped yoke is situated over the shoulders. The latter is flanked on each side by an elongated integral loop for the addition of shoulder straps. Each cuff has a vertical slash which fastens closed with a hidden bakelite button. Four pockets are set into the breasts, with the top fastening closed with reinforced buttonholes perforated directly into the yoke meeting pebbled metal buttons, and the lower pockets closing with scalloped flaps meeting identical buttons. The tunic closes with four pebbled metal buttons on the right side meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes. The interior features two bandage and dressing pockets set into the breast flaps, with reinforced ventilation holes perforated into the armpits. Stamped onto the right breast are size dimensions and a manufacture date of “M43”. Otherwise unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 43 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 60 cm, and an overall body length of 65 cm when folded on a flat surface. Demonstrating only minor and age-appropriate soiling and material fatigue, including evidence of removal of the eagle insignia to the left arm resulting in some disruption to the base material, this late mid-war tunic remains in a near extremely fine condition.