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 German navy also had a long tradition of brown and white tropical/landing dress that was worn in hot climates with the white uniform also serving as a walking out dress. The tradition was continued through the Weimar era and in 1929 the Reichsmarine introduced new brown and white tropical/landing dress uniforms with stand-up collars. In 1937 the Kriegsmarine introduced new style brown and white tropical uniforms with lay down collars. With the impending entrance into the North African campaign in late 1940 the Kriegsmarine developed another new tropical brown uniform independently from the Heer and Luftwaffe, but retained the 1937 pattern white uniform. Included with the 1940 pattern tropical brown uniform were short pants which were issued in two basic patterns with one having an integral, tunnel looped belt while the other had fit adjustment straps and buckles. The tropical uniforms, including the short pants, were classed as Sonderbekleidungsstücke, (Special Articles of Clothing), and were only issued to personnel serving in tropical climates. 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). Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms and headgear from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored items although the price may have been restrictive. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Mid-weight, ribbed, yellowish/tan cotton twill construction short pants feature a vertical, four button French fly with an additional two buttons positioned on the waistband. Interestingly the top waistband button eyelet was never cut open. The horizontal waistband has an integral, tunnel looped, yellowish/tan, woven canvas web belt with an HBT, (Herring Bone Twill), weave positioned on the right side of the fly with a corresponding, tan painted, open rectangular, triple claw, steel buckle positioned on the left side of the fly. The left side of the waistband also a single, vertical, belt loop. The shorts have two, diagonally angled, slash front pockets with single button closures and a small, horizontal slash, watch pocket situated just below the right front waistband. The waistband has a small, horizontal, fabric loop positioned just above the watch pocket for securing a watch chain. The reverse of the shorts have two, horizontal, slash pockets with single button closures and two, small, vertical, tapering darts. The bottom of the legs have dual-ply, hemmed cuffs. The interior waistband is lined in light weight, off-white cotton. The interior pocket bags are also constructed in light weight off-white cotton. The pocket bag of the left front exterior pocket has another small, horizontal, slash, patch pocket machine stitched to the interior. The interior crotch has a dual-ply, oval, white cotton reinforcement patch. The interior waistband lining is well marked with black size inkstamps and the faint, black and manufacturer’s inkstamp that appears to be, "Spiesshofer & Braun". The shorts are in overall very good, unissued condition with a few picks and pulls, minimal age toning and a couple of small rust colored stains. The fly and waistband buttons are the natural, matte grey, alloy, dish type and the pocket closure buttons are the tan bakelite type and all appear to have original stitching. The shorts are roughly size 32" waist.

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $375.00