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 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 greatcoat was carried over from the Imperial German Navy on into the Weimar Reichsmarine era, (National Navy, Circa 1919-1933), and on into the Third Reich. Although the German army utilized at least thirteen different styles of greatcoats with numerous variations and intended purposes for all ranks, Kriegsmarine greatcoats were only manufactured in four, main variations and wear was limited to Senior NCO’s, Officer Candidates and Officers ranks. Of Note: Additional heavier, guard coats and surcoats were also issued as special clothing as required. The long tail skirts of the greatcoat made them rather impractical for on-board wear and the shorter, more practical, reefer and pea style jackets were more commonly worn. Regulations dictated that the only insignia to be worn on the greatcoats were removable shoulder boards. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy).

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, private purchase, navy blue doeskin wool construction, double breasted style, full length, greatcoat features fold back lapels and a lay down collar. The greatcoat has dual, vertical, parallel, rows of six, front closure buttons with corresponding stitched, button eyelets on the right front panel and a single button eyelet on the left front panel, positioned at the waistline, with an internal, corresponding button. The greatcoat also has a single, large metal hook and eye positioned at the forward neckline. The greatcoat has two, diagonally angled, slash, front, hip pockets with slightly angular flaps, situated at the waistline. The greatcoat has straight cut, non-adjustable sleeves with a horizontal row of stitching, simulating French cuffs. The reverse of the greatcoat has a horizontal, ornamental, half waist belt with dual retaining buttons positioned at the waistline and a central, opened, vertical tail skirt vent. The tail skirt vent runs from the just below the half waist belt down to the bottom edge of the coat and has no allowance for closing it. The greatcoat has the slip on shoulder straps fabric retaining loops and inserted, alloy, screw threaded button attachment grommets but the removable shoulder boards are absent. The lay down collar has the typical zig-zag reinforcement stitching to the reverse. The reverse of the left collar has two buttons and a removable, dual button holed, navy blue wool tab with a single, corresponding button on the reverse of the right side of the collar for a secure neck closure in inclement weather. The greatcoat has no collar tabs as per regulations. The interior of the greatcoat is fully lined in ribbed black cotton/rayon with brushed black rayon lining to the sleeves. The lining has a horizontal, slash, pocket to the left breast panel and a small, vertical, slash "watch" pocket to the interior of the left front closure panel. The greatcoat has no visible size or manufacturer’s markings. The greatcoat is in overall very good condition with minimal age and usage toning and minor chafe wear to the cuff and collar edges. The front closure buttons, are the fire gilted, alloy type with an embossed, fouled, anchor on a horizontally ribbed, field with a simulated, twisted, rope outer border and are still quite clean and bright. The reverse half waist belt and the under the collar buttons are the molded black bakelite type and most appear to have their original stitching. The greatcoat is roughly size 40" chest. Scarce Kriegsmarine greatcoat.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $476.00