BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although the uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years, many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The Reefer jacket was a basic uniform item intended for all ranks, with minor variations, and followed the basic design of the Imperial German Navy Reefer jacket. Officer and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms and headgear from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored items although the price may have been restrictive. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, private purchase, navy blue wool construction, three quarter length, double breasted style jacket with a subtle whipcord weave features fold back peak lapels and a lay down collar and has two, vertical, parallel, rows of five front closure buttons with corresponding button eyelets on both the left and right front panels. The right breast has a hand embroidered national eagle in heavy gilt wire and bullion threads with golden yellow celleon accent threads, mounted on a cut-out navy blue wool base. The eagle is neatly handstitched to the jacket. The left breast features a small, slightly diagonally angled, horizontal slash pocket. Original awards loops for three badges on the left chest & one set of loops on the right (Perhaps a German Cross). The jacket has two, horizontal slash, front hip pockets with straight edged flaps. The sleeves have straight cut, non-adjustable cuffs and has the original Vizeadmiral rank insignia applied. The jacket has no shoulder boards or collar tabs as per regulations. The interior of the jacket is fully lined in dark blue rayon with striped, white sleeves. The lining has a horizontal slash pocket to both the left and right front breast panels. Faint outline from where the original tailors label once was. All the buttons are the gilted alloy type with an embossed fouled anchor on a horizontally ribbed field with a simulated twisted rope outer border. The buttons are all still clean and bright and appear to have their original stitching. The jacket is roughly size 38" chest. Unnamed. Nice!