Heer Infantery Uffz M36 Combat Tunic

[KENT1965]

The addition of M36-style insignia (with dark-green backing) was frequently done when soldiers were creating 'walking out' tunics. These were their 'Sunday best' uniforms, meant for wearing on leave, or other non-combat assignments. This practice was commonplace, and it led to the creation of a lot of tunics that combine elements of two or more tunic types (as per the discussion relating to this tunic). This one has definitely been shortened, as there is only one belt-support loophole visible above the top of the lower pockets (there would originally have been three, plus a gap, above the lower pockets. The tunic also has a 'fitted' look, as if the waist has been taken in, etc. All things you would expect to see in a tunic that a soldier had customised by tailor. You would need more detailed pix of the underside of the collar (to see how the collar tabs are stitched on), more in the area of the shoulderboards (and of the inner surface of the boards), and close-ups of the stitching of the eagle. However, nothing looks badly-done, or immediately obvious as re-applied insignia. After the war, the Allies issued instructions that all swastika insignia had to be removed from caps, uniforms, and anything else, so you will find lots of tunics with all insignia apart from their breast eagles. So much so that most collectors are comfortable with re-applied eagles, as long as the job has been done well.

Hope this helps,

Mark

[Paul R]

First rate tunic. IF I collected Heer, it would be a keeper for me, no questions.