BACKGROUND: The Greatcoat was a basic uniform item issued to all ranks, with minor variations, and followed the basic design of the Imperial German army’s greatcoat. During WWII the German army utilized at least thirteen different styles of greatcoats with numerous variations and intended purposes. Besides the greatcoats Officers, Officials with officers ranks and Senior NCO’s were entitled to wear a rubberized raincoat as a private purchase, optional item. The rubberized raincoats were officially introduced in August 1937 and were styled after the standard Army greatcoat. Regulations dictated the only insignia to be worn on the rubberized raincoats were to be slip on shoulder boards/straps. Of Note: Although regulations dictated that the privately purchased, rubberized raincoats were to conform to the style and cut of the standard issue greatcoats numerous subtle and not so subtle variations were utilized. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army’s Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their uniforms from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase garments of higher quality. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Private purchase, rubberized field-grey canvas construction double breasted style, full length, raincoat with small fold back lapels and a lay down collar. The raincoat features dual, vertical, parallel, rows of six, front closure buttons with corresponding button eyelets on the left front panel, and a single button eyelet on the right front panel with a corresponding button to the interior left panel. The raincoat had a single metal hook and eye positioned at the forward neckline but both have been removed. The raincoat has two, slightly diagonally angled, slash, front, hip pockets with slightly angular flaps situated at the waistline. The straight cut sleeves have simulated, machine stitched, French cuffs. The reverse of the greatcoat has a horizontal, half waist belt with two retaining buttons at the waistline and a central, vertical tail skirt vent with a three button closure. The tail skirt vent runs from the half waist belt down to the bottom edge of the coat and the tail skirt buttons are absent. The raincoat has three, inserted, sheet metal ventilation grommets to each armpit. The shoulders both show scarring and tears where the shoulder board/strap buttons and fabric retaining loops have been removed. The lay down collar has no collar tabs or any evidence that any were ever applied, as per regulations. The reverse of the collar has a single button and an extended, button holed, field-grey fabric tab under the left side and a single corresponding button under the right side for a secure neck closure in inclement weather. The unlined interior has narrow, rubberized fabric strips glued over the seams. The interior of the raincoat has a vertical, field-grey fabric strap machine stitched to the left armpit with a natural aluminum "D" ring with a corresponding, small, diagonal slash to the reverse of the left, front, exterior pocket to suspend the dagger/sword hangers. The lower, left, interior pocket bag is well marked with faint, black size inkstamps and an RB number. Of Note: The RB numbers, Reichsbetriebnummer, (National factory code numbers), were introduced in late 1942 and were intended to replace the manufacturers marks on garments and equipment to conceal the manufactures name and location from the allies, to prevent bombing raids on German industrial factories. The raincoat shows light to moderate age and usage toning, a few small rips and tears and heavy color fading giving it a tan appearance. The buttons, excluding the single interior and under the collar buttons are all the ordnance blue/grey painted, pebbled, magnetic sheet metal type and most appear to have been re-stitched. The raincoat is roughly size 38" chest.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $365.00