BACKGROUND: Development of self-propelled assault artillery to support the infantry in a close fire support role began in the late 1930's and continued through-out the war. With the development of these new weapons it was decided that crew personnel would require a uniform designed specifically for wear in the close constrains of their vehicles. The black panzer wrap uniform had proven practical in the confines of tanks, but it was determined that the color was too conspicuous for use while performing the close support role as the assault gunners were quite often required to leave their vehicles for observation within close range and view of the enemy. This consideration led to the introduction of the field-grey Sturmartillerie uniform on May 29TH 1940, with the same design and cut of the black panzer wrap uniform. The field-grey assault artillery wrap tunic remained the same through-out the war. 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 particular identifying waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service), color with bright red being chosen for all Artillerie, (Artillery), personnel. On the field blouse and service tunic the waffenfarbe was generally displayed on the shoulder straps/boards and the collar tabs.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: First pattern, (circa 1940-1942), field-grey wool/rayon blend construction, waist length, double breasted style tunic with small fold back lapels and a large lay down collar. The left front closure panel of the tunic has four hidden button holes and an additional three, visible button holes on the fold back lapel. The right front closure panel has all four large and two of the three smaller corresponding buttons intact. The edge of the right front closure panel has an additional, two, small, buttons positioned underneath the overlapping left closure panel with two, corresponding, internal, fabric loops for a secure closure with a neat appearance. The tunic also has a single metal hook and eye positioned at the forward neckline for a secure closure. The right breast has an M39 pattern, machine woven, national eagle in matte grey threads on a cut-out, woven field-grey rayon base. The eagle is neatly hand stitched to the tunic. The reverse of the tunic has a central, vertical, seam and two, vertical, tapering darts. The waistline side seams of the tunic each have three, vertically aligned, horizontal, rows of heavy stitching with a central vertical slash to secure the belt support hooks. The straight cut sleeve cuffs each have a vertical outside seam slash with dual, fit adjustment buttons. EM slip on shoulder straps present (I don't think original to the tunic, will need a another pair of originals added). The tunic has a large lay down collar with the typical zig-zag reinforcement stitching to the reverse. The collar features 1940 pattern, general issue collar tabs with machine woven field-grey litzen and mouse grey branch of service and center stripes. The collar tabs are mounted on field-grey wool bass which are piped in bright red rayon waffenfarbe. The collar tab bases are machine stitched to the collar. The interior breast panels are lined in ribbed, cotton/rayon twill. The lining has a horizontal slash, patch pocket to the right breast panel and a vertical slash patch pocket to the left breast panel. The interior of the tunic also has two, vertical, ribbed greyish/tan cotton twill straps with six stitched eyelets to each, situated at the waistline side seams to secure the belt support hooks. The interior also has a horizontal, tunnel looped, green rayon, fit adjustment drawstring to each of the waistline side panels. Excellent size and Rbnr# marking. Most probably used as a "walking out" example. All original buttons. The tunic is roughly size 36" chest. Original loops for one breast badge. Beautiful!