BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although the uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years, many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The white work/drill uniform was originally introduced into the Prussian Navy and was carried over into the Reichsmarine and eventually the Kriegsmarine with minor variations. The white work/drill uniform for EM and Junior NCO ranks consisted of a white shirt and pants for EM’s and a white shirt, jacket and pants for the Junior NCO’s and was utilized as the standard uniform for shipboard, barracks and infantry drill duties. Regulations of February 5^TH 1940 discontinued issue of the white work/drill shirt for Junior NCO’s to be replaced with the blue jumper shirt. Of Note: In 1940 a field-grey version of the work/drill uniform was introduced which was also used as a summer duty uniform. Although the colors white and field-grey were the official colors other colors were also utilized on a limited basis. Originally enlisted personnel didn’t wear any insignia on the work/drill tunics but NCO’s did. After 1940 when the work/drill uniforms were utilized as a summer duty uniform EM’s also began wearing insignia on them. In late 1941 or early 1942 the work/drill jackets were modified with the addition of breast pockets. The work and drill pants followed the same basic design as the standard straight legged long pants.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Off-white, woven, cotton construction, straight legged, long pants feature a vertical, three button French fly with an additional button positioned on the horizontal waistband. The horizontal waistband has four, evenly spaced, suspender attachment buttons. The pants have no front pockets. The reverse of the pants have dual, vertical tapering darts and a horizontal slash pocket to the right seat. The pants have straight cut, non-adjustable, cuffs with a dual-ply hem. The unlined interior has a dual-ply waistband. The pants have no visible size or manufacturer’s markings. The internal pocket bag is in off-white cotton. The pants are in overall very good condition with a few small picks and pulls and minor age and usage toning. The buttons are all the bright, nickel/silver plated, French style, alloy dish type and appear to have their original stitching. Interestingly the buttons have impressed English script, "Improved Patent". The pants are roughly size 34" waist.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $117.00