It appears that one very common uniform style has escaped almost everyone's notice. Each time a supposedly "SS" M36, M40 or M41 tunic is posted, everyone strains their eyes searching for traces of a breast eagless. Several very real and definitely SS tunics have languished on the E-stand while people grouse about "M40 army tunic + cost of insignia". SS M40/41's ARE different from their Heer cousins as are the later M42/43's. The differences just aren't quite as obvious and they are very difficult to see in wartime photos.
This information will allow an SS tunic to readily be identified and ruled "in", but it won't help with Heer tunics which were genuinely used by the SS.
Although SS M40/41 tunics do have the same number of button and belt hook holes as their Heer counterparts, there are two quick ways to identify SS tunics. The lining and the collar.
Lining: Just as with the later M42/43's, the lower front lining panels are are cut differently than those in Heer jackets. The SS uniforms have 2 angles, the Heer have 3. (The SS M37 is cut the same way). This is the easiest and most definite way I've found to distinguish the two. Also, some SS tunics have the breast pocket sewn through the lining. The pocket flap is not (if so, it would inhibit use of the internal suspender channels.)
Collar: SS collars are approximately 1cm wider than Heer. Although this fluctuates somewhat, the front edge of SS collars runs about 7.5-8cm and Heer are 6.5-7cm. This is due to the SS collar tabs being wider than Litzen. The collar is about the only way to tell them apart in photos. An SS collar will handle tabs and tresse with some room to spare. Using Heer tunics results in the top edge of collar tab rubbing the soldier's neck or nearly so. (The tunics on pages 229 and 237 of Uniforms of the Waffen SS, Vol 1 illustrate this well.)
However, many have been "NCOified" which replaces the factory collar making it moot for this purpose.
There are half a dozen other small pattern and sewing differences, but they require a good knowledge of sewing and a tape measure to check- and none are decisive in and of themselves.
These tunics are rare but out there- I hope this helps make them easier to pick out.
This information will allow an SS tunic to readily be identified and ruled "in", but it won't help with Heer tunics which were genuinely used by the SS.
Although SS M40/41 tunics do have the same number of button and belt hook holes as their Heer counterparts, there are two quick ways to identify SS tunics. The lining and the collar.
Lining: Just as with the later M42/43's, the lower front lining panels are are cut differently than those in Heer jackets. The SS uniforms have 2 angles, the Heer have 3. (The SS M37 is cut the same way). This is the easiest and most definite way I've found to distinguish the two. Also, some SS tunics have the breast pocket sewn through the lining. The pocket flap is not (if so, it would inhibit use of the internal suspender channels.)
Collar: SS collars are approximately 1cm wider than Heer. Although this fluctuates somewhat, the front edge of SS collars runs about 7.5-8cm and Heer are 6.5-7cm. This is due to the SS collar tabs being wider than Litzen. The collar is about the only way to tell them apart in photos. An SS collar will handle tabs and tresse with some room to spare. Using Heer tunics results in the top edge of collar tab rubbing the soldier's neck or nearly so. (The tunics on pages 229 and 237 of Uniforms of the Waffen SS, Vol 1 illustrate this well.)
However, many have been "NCOified" which replaces the factory collar making it moot for this purpose.
There are half a dozen other small pattern and sewing differences, but they require a good knowledge of sewing and a tape measure to check- and none are decisive in and of themselves.
These tunics are rare but out there- I hope this helps make them easier to pick out.
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