BACKGROUND: The development of the M36 field blouse can be traced back to April 1933 with the introduction of the first pattern field blouses which were a departure from the cut and style of tunics utilized in World War I. From its introduction until 1936 the field blouse underwent a couple of small modifications designed to enhance its performance, appearance and longevity. Modifications to the 1933 pattern field blouse began in December 1934 when the original field-grey basic cloth collar was altered to a field-grey badge cloth for a better appearance. In September 1935 the collar was altered again from the field-grey badge cloth to dark blue/green badge cloth. The final pre-war modification to the field blouse occurred in December 1936 with the addition of a partial lining to the interior breast and upper back panels to increase its wear-out time. 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. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive. The different branches of service within the army were allocated a specific, identifying, waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), light blue being chosen for Transport personnel. On the field blouse and service tunic the waffenfarbe was generally displayed on the shoulder straps/boards and the collar tabs. Of Note: Although the Transport branch of service may sound like a mundane assignment it was of the utmost importance as they were the personnel responsible for the control of all supplies to the forward troops including all vehicle fuel, and lubricant requirements as well as ammunition, animal feed and rations.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Field-grey wool/rayon blend construction field blouse features a vertical, five button front closure with a single metal hook and eye positioned at the neckline. The field blouse has four, pleated patch, front pockets with scalloped button down flaps. A few small moth holes on the body and collar. The field blouse has four sets of three, vertically aligned, stitched eyelets with one set situated at either side of the front closure panels and the other two to the reverse side panels. The eyelets were designed for the belt support hooks. The straight cut sleeve cuffs each have a vertical slash to the outside seam with fit adjustment buttons. Buttons look to be all original stitching and application. Superb maker, size and 1939 Depot marking. Slip on early EM straps (metal number "9" removed from each). All original stitching to the eagle and collar tabs. The field blouse is roughly size 38 chest. Very nice untouched EM M1936 Feldbluse.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $1,785.00