BACKGROUND: The M42 field blouse was basically a continuation of the modifications of the M33 field blouse which had evolved into the M36 and then the M40 field blouses. Modifications to the M40 field blouse included increasing the front closure buttons from five to six in May 1941 due to degrading quality of the fabric used and the elimination of the pleats on the front pockets to simplify production in late 1942. These alterations resulted in the M42 field blouse. Of Note: The modifications were not always strictly adhered to. The German army originally adopted a slightly modified version of the NSDAP’s, National Sozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter Partei, (National Socialist German Worker’s Party), national eagle by order on February 17TH 1934, with instructions to have it applied to all steel helmets, visor caps, and tunics by May 1ST 1934. Generally officer’s ranks utilized hand or machine embroidered breast eagles while EM/NCO’s ranks utilized machine embroidered or machine woven breast eagles. The different branches of service within the army were allocated a particular identifying waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), that was generally displayed on the shoulder straps/boards and the collar tabs. 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.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Field-grey, wool/rayon blend construction, issue M43 field blouse features a vertical, six button front closure with a single metal hook and eye positioned at the neckline. Insignia looks to be all original stitching to the tunic. Collar tress is Luftwaffe pattern, which is not uncommon. Nice pair of slip on Infantry straps with white rayon piping. Buttons all look to be mostly original stitching. Chest size is roughly 34/36". Very nice size markings. Very nice original tunic!