Uniform material question

[Demianthedog]

I've come across a tunic dated 1944. It has original slip on shoulder boards, a bevo eagle which is machine sewn but not through the lining, the original collar tabs have not been replaced, it is an issue piece with the appropriate markings, there are two ribbons in the button hole which were carefully handsewn and have been together for a long time, and it has some ring around the collar. By all appearances it looks great. My only concern is it doesn't pass the burn test. The thread will melt like a synthetic.

Before I post pics and go into any more detail, I'm hoping to learn what type of late war materials may have been utilized in the construction of uniforms. Were there any synthetic (rayon/wool) blends used in late war uniforms? The tunic has a course wool feel but has a slight elasticity and of a ribbed pattern.

Btw, it comes from a tenured collector (For what it's worth).

Your advice is always appreciated, Thank you!

[NTZ]

Are you referring to the stitching you tested or the wool itself? The stitching should not show any signs of synthetic fiber. The wool I have no clue. I never burned one of my tunics

[afrika]

The wool I have no clue. I never burned one of my tunics

[Demianthedog]

Are you referring to the stitching you tested or the wool itself? The stitching should not show any signs of synthetic fiber. The wool I have no clue. I never burned one of my tunics

I removed a loose piece of material from the inside seam of the tunic where the excess cloth from the seam has some fraying. I didn't burn any stitching thread.

[CWP]

Well, wool will singe, it scorches and is resistant to burning, is that what you are experiencing? If it is melting and giving off a plastic smell, it's not a good sign. Late war tunics were made of a blend of wool and rayon. Rayon is made from cellulose (trees) and should burn and not melt.

Chris P.

[NTZ]

Posting photos is your best bet. A burn test on stitching may tell you that something was post war put together but fakers caught on to burn tests and black light testing a while ago. Even if a piece passes both there is no guarantee it is a good piece. Period thread and materials are not that hard to find. An inspection by the members here will tell you much more.

[Demianthedog]

Clarification

Just to clarify. I didn't burn the thread or stitching. I took a small piece of material from the excess of an inner seam seam. A small sample of the actual material used to construct the body of the tunic.

I don't want to post any pics yet, because I'd like to focus on the material itself. I have never attempted a burn test before because I didn't feel it was 100%.

Was there any material used late war (1944-45) used in the construction of uniforms that may melt using the burn test?

[Steve Sherlock]

I made the mistake of burning a wool blanket once. (It was actually a pre-WWII USMC blanket which was ruined.) I put in on a pile of burning yard trimmings. and boy, did it smoke and smell. Just like burning a pile of hair. Now, the interesting thing about it was that it appeared to melt. Eventually it went to ash, but before, it melted as if it were polyester or something. The same thing happens with hair. And of course, wool is just hair by a different name. So, my guess, if you burn WWII german wool cloth, it will do the same, and you might mistake it for something synthetic, even though it is wool.

ss