BACKGROUND: Originally SS armored personnel adopted the army pattern black panzer wrap tunic shortly after it was introduced in November 1934. In late 1937 or early 1938 the SS developed their own cut of the black panzer wrap which differed from the army pattern with minor variations. SS pattern, black wool/rayon blend, waist length, double breasted panzer wrap tunic. Left front panel, with four hidden button holes, overlaps right front panel with four corresponding large black bakelite buttons. Upper right panel also has three small black bakelite buttons with corresponding button holes in the left lapel. Single metal hook and eye at neck. Two smaller buttons on right panel edge, button on internal cloth loops. Top button hole on the left lapel has an Iron Cross 2ND class ribbon hand stitched in place. The front opening is vertical as opposed to the slightly diagonal opening of the army pattern tunic and the peak lapels are somewhat smaller then the army pattern lapels. No exterior pockets. Lower left breast with five horizontal thread loops for wear of awards. Outside sleeve seam slashes have been hand stitched closed at cuffs. Single piece back panel with two tapering darts near bottom edge. Of Note: The army pattern panzer wrap tunic had a two piece back panel with central vertical seam.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Incredibly rare, untouched, private purchase Das Reich officer’s black panzer wrap. SS pattern, black wool/rayon blend, waist length, double breasted panzer wrap tunic. Left front panel, with four hidden button holes, overlaps right front panel with four corresponding large black bakelite buttons. Upper right panel also has three small black bakelite buttons with corresponding button holes in the left lapel. Single metal hook and eye at neck. Two smaller buttons on right panel edge, button on internal cloth loops. Top button hole on the left lapel has an EK2 and Russian front ribbon. The front opening is vertical as opposed to the slightly diagonal opening of the army pattern tunic and the peak lapels are somewhat smaller then the army pattern lapels. Lower left breast with five horizontal thread loops for wear of two awards. Single piece back panel with two tapering darts near bottom edge. Of Note: The army pattern panzer wrap tunic had a two piece back panel with central vertical seam. Insignia on this tunic is fantastic and all original stitching. Insignia include flat wire (Rare) BeVo pattern runic tab, flatwire machine woven officer’s eagle, old fighters chevorn, SS-Untersturmführer boards and super rare flat wire Das Reich officers cufftitle. The "Das Reich" cufftitle was first introduced for wear on September 1ST 1942, by divisional personnel of the 2.SS-Panzer Division "Das Reich", who weren’t allotted a regimental cufftitle. The 2.SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich" had evolved from the SS-Verfügungstruppe Division (mot.), (SS Special Purpose Division), that had been originally formed on October 10TH 1939. All original buttons and stitching. Lay down collar with the correct zig-zag reinforcement stitching to reverse. Tunic roughly size 36" chest. Undoubtedly the nicest SS wrap we have had in over 32 years!