H037094 M40 FIELD BLOUSE. (Feldbluse M40)

BACKGROUND: The M40 field blouse was basically a continuation of the modifications of the M33 field blouse which had evolved into the M36 field blouse. Modifications to the M36 field blouse included alteration of the bright silver/aluminum NCO tress and rank chevrons to a less visible subdued matte grey tress in April 1940, and changing the blue/green badge cloth collar to a field grey basic cloth collar in May 1940. These alterations resulted in the M40 field blouse. Of Note: Although the bright silver/aluminum NCO tress and rank chevrons were to be replaced with the less visible subdued matte grey tress, it is not uncommon to find the brighter tress still in use on the M40 or even later produced field blouses. 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 Kliederkasse, (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 M40 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, front pockets with scalloped edged button down flaps. The breast pockets are the basic patch type while the hip pockets are the saddlebag type with expanding side panels. The field blouse has four sets of three, vertically aligned, stitched eyelets with one set situated at either side of the front closure and two to either side of the back panel, at the waistline. The eyelets were designed for the belt support hooks. The straight cut sleeve cuffs each have a vertical slash to the outside seam with a fit adjustment button. The shoulder straps fabric retaining loops and buttons are all intact. Comes with a nice pair of slip on Infantry EM shoulder straps. The M36 style, dark green, wool lay down collar has the typical zigzag reinforcement stitching. Collar tabs are original application. The interior of the field blouse is partially lined in ribbed grayish/tan cotton twill, 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. Superb original maker, size markings present. Buttons all look to be original stitching. Chest size is 90cm (35"). Very nice original application eagle. Some expected nap wear. Wonderful tunic, M40's are getting difficult to find.

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $

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