Spiess fliegerbluse opinions

[PaulW]

Hi all,
wondered if I might ask for opinions on this fliegerbluse that Mike Davis has on consignment at the moment? (I've asked Mike's permission to review it here):-

http://www.virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=2746

It's (as Mike says) a modified blouse, possibly consistent with the wearers rank. One of the modifications is a replaced eagle. Mike has asked me to quote him on this:-

"I believe the application could be original as the blouse has so many other well done tailor modifications. However I'm not sure it is possible to make a call with 100% certainty. The attachment threads are UV negative."

Intersted in all opinions, such as has anyone seen this particular (private purchase?) eagle before? Any thoughts on what the "3" numeral might be on the boards.
Any thoughts on whether it might be Flight or FJ (there is a button for a marksman's lanyard), or impossible to know?

Regards, Paul

(Mike did send a couple of pictures of the eagle but I haven't had any luck uploading them yet, but you can see the eagle OK in the link above.)

[nonameno]

Hi Paul,
What I like about this particular tunic is that it has consistent wear over the tunic, and the insignia. This is also exactly what I would expect to see from a higher ranking NCO for walking out dress, with added dagger hanger slot, special breast eagle, waffenfarbe piped collar, and a button for a marksmanship lanyard. These are the types of additions and modifications you see on Heer NCO tunics all the time. This is a tunic I would be comfortable having in my collection.
Thank you and best wishes,
Curtiss

[PaulW]

More pictures

Hi Curtiss, many thanks for the feedback.

I'm adding some closer pictures of the eagle. Curious to know if anyone has seen this type before, or has any opinion on the "3" numeral on the boards etc.

Regards, Paul

[PaulW]

Thanks

Many thanks Curtiss!

[nonameno]

Hi Paul,
My thought regarding the numeral 3 on the shoulderboards would be for something like fallschirmjager regiment 3. I have not seen numbers on shoulderstraps for flight units, so some form of fallschirmjager unit at either regiment or battalion level, would be my best guess.
Yes, I have seen this type of eagle in use before, but it is a rare pattern, in my opinion, and highly desirable.
I also like the accommodation for a screwback iron cross or similar award.
This tunic has a lot of fascinating custom features and is a wonderful example of a walking out dress tunic.
Thank you and best wishes,
Curtiss