BACKGROUND: The M43 field blouse was basically a continuation of the modifications of the M33 field blouse which had evolved into the M36, the M40 and the M42 field blouses. Modifications to the M42 field blouse included the elimination of the separate, internal, belt support hook suspenders with them being replaced by short, integral straps in April 1943, and the replacement of the scalloped button flaps on the front pockets to straight flaps to simplify production in mid-1943. These alterations resulted in the M43 field blouse, which was to be the final variant of the original M33 field blouse. Of Note: The modifications were not always strictly adhered to. 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), with white being chosen for Infanterie, (Infantry), personnel. On the field blouse and service tunic the waffenfarbe was generally displayed on the shoulder straps/boards and the collar tabs. The German armed forces utilized a wide variety of shoulder board/strap cyphers that indicated numerous specific, assorted trades, careers, functions and/or units. Regulations decreed that the shoulder board/strap cyphers were embroidered in the appropriate branch of service color for EM’s and Junior NCO’s, in silvered metal for Senior NCO’s and in gilted metal for Officers ranks. Originally the shoulder board/strap cyphers for Senior NCO’s and Officer’s used during the Third Reich were a low, flat pattern that had been utilized by the Weimar era Reichsheer until regulations of September 10TH 1935 introduced new Wehrmacht pattern cyphers that featured a horizontal ribbed interior and raised outer edges. This example has been modified by having had the field-grey collar replaced with the earlier blue/green collar and the alteration appears to have been period applied. Of Note: The early blue/green collars were quite popular as they provided a nice contrast to the field-grey of the field blouses and personnel wearing the blue/green collars were generally viewed with more prestige as being long serving, experienced personnel.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Field-grey, wool/rayon blend construction field blouse with a lay down, blue/green badge cloth collar features a vertical, six button front closure with a single metal hook and eye positioned at the forward neckline. The field blouse has four, non-pleated, front patch pockets with straight edged button down flaps. The right breast has a machine woven, M36 pattern, national eagle. The eagle is machine stitched to the breast through the lining material. No doubt this was added when the owner upgraded the collar to the M36 type which was popular to do at the time. Original award loops for 3 breast badges.The left breast has four, horizontal, thread loops for wear of awards. The straight cut sleeve cuffs each have a vertical slash to the outside seam with dual fit adjustment buttons. The field blouse has the early, (Circa November 1938-May 1940), second pattern, blue/green badge cloth construction, slip on shoulder straps with diamond patterned NCO’s tress to all the outside edges, a single, silver washed, stamped alloy, rank pip, and officer candidate slip on loops. The shoulder straps fabric retaining loops and pebbled, buttons are all intact. The reverse of the blue/green lay down collar has the typical zig-zag reinforcement stitching. The forward edge of the collar is trimmed in bright, silver/aluminum, diamond patterned NCO’s tress and the collar has the general issue, EM/NCO’s collar tabs as introduced on November 26TH 1938 for wear by personnel serving in all branches of service. The NCO’s tress and the collar tabs are machine stitched to the collar. The interior of the field blouse is partially lined in grey rayon, with the lining running down the front closure panel edges and to the upper breast and back panels. The right front tail skirt lining has a field dressing pocket with a single button closure. Nice maker and size markings. Buttons looks to be mostly original stitching. Top one is starting to come loose. The field blouse is roughly size 34" chest. Nice worn and used example showing the expected age and wear. Comes with an original shooting lanyard.