BACKGROUND: Forestry and hunting in Germany enjoys a long history and traditions that continue to the present day. In July of 1933, Hermann Göring was appointed as "Reichsforst und Jägermeister" (National-forestry and Hunting-master), as head of the "Reichsforstamt" (National-forestry-department). In that capacity he was in charge of administering all aspects of forestry and hunting, including the development, maintenance and conservation of all of the forests and wild game within Germany. The "Reichsforstamt" was sub-divided into four main departments: the "Gemeinde Forst Dienst" (General Forestry Service), "Privat Forst Dienst" (Private Forestry Service), "Heeres Forst Dienst" (Army Forestry Service), and the "Luftwaffe Forst Dienst" (Air-force Forestry Service). Personnel in all four services were assigned a uniform.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A full-length, double breasted greatcoat, in dark green wool, with its collar faced in dark green velvet and piped in twisted aluminum. A vertical row of six, 15/16" diameter, convex, dark green bakelite buttons are to each front panel, with corresponding buttonholes along either panel’s forward edge. The greatcoat would normally be worn with the top three buttons unbuttoned, with the lapels, as well as the collar, lying flat. It would appear that its collar tabs have been removed. Shoulder straps are sewn to the seam line of each shoulder, upon whose green velvet bases (as used by the General Forestry Service) are interwoven, darker green braid, with their free ends forming loops for the buttons positioned mid-way along the shoulders. These buttons are 9/16" diameter versions of those to the front panels. Two, silver-washed alloy acorns are affixed over the braid of each shoulder strap, the combination denoting the rank of an "Oberforstmeister" (a senior forestry official roughly equivalent to a lieutenant colonel). Light wear is evident to the wash of the acorns, and to the braid of the right shoulder strap. The sleeves terminate in turned-back, French cuffs, each sewn at their seam line but with an open top. Dark green piping runs along the tops of these cuffs, as well as along the edges of the half-belt which extends horizontally from either side of the reverse waistline. The two halves of the belt, which are of the same material as the greatcoat, are secured where they meet by a buttonhole and a corresponding button identical to those on the front panels. Pleats extend from behind this belt to the base of the greatcoat, mostly concealing the 22 1/2" vent which is secured by two, small, horn buttons. Diagonal slash pockets, with unbuttoned pocket flaps are to each hip. Above the left hip pocket is a vertical slash, which opens to the interior, for the frog of the hunting cutlass. The interior is fully lined in grey rayon, and features a horizontal slash pocket to its left breast, underneath of which is sewn a button. A tailor’s tag is sewn beneath the interior collar. The greatcoat is in overall excellent condition, with all of its buttons appearing to retain their original stitching, and the only visible wear being to the bases of the shoulder boards and the tailor’s tag. Roughly a size 40 chest.

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $422.00