Here's a couple of more.
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The last photo was in direct sunlight and I can see the feldgrau on the tabs is different that the shoulder strap. If you need other shots let me know. Also the eagle isn't sewn through the lining. As you say an in hand inspection is always best so I'll bring it to the next Union or Allentown show or what ever show comes up first.Comment
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Siam fatti cosi!Comment
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Thanks to everyone who has offered their thoughts on this tunic. Here are a few more photos.Comment
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I like what I see Raymond! I think you have scored!
KevComment
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Ray, I would love to see that wrap if you are going to the show next month.
Here are my tabs.Willi
Preußens Gloria!
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Sapere audeComment
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Willi,
Nice pick up on the tabs!
Raymond,
I always tend to cringe when a wrapper is loaded, like this one. Not that it didn't happen...too often it turns out to be collector or dealer embellishments. I am almost relieved when a spectacular wrap doesn't have any award loops or ribbons. Enough on that!
It does appear to be an original stug wrap, given all the construction and material details you have provided through photos. Breast eagle looks like a nice original application with some nice wear. The wool does have that brownish tint to it, which is no problem. The insignia has field gray base material which does not have to match the tunic or each other for that matter.
The big question is when were the tabs, boards, tag, etc applied? If everything is applied correctly using period threads, proper machines, adjusted properly, then it is very difficult to tell. The tab application thread does match well color wise with the thread used in the wrap construction, it is however not the same, and there is no way to tell how far apart construction and application are. The thread is easy to tell apart because one is right twist and one is left twist. Both are correct for the time, but clearly shows different spools of thread.
The stains on the name tag look more like burns rather than a liquid, close inspection might tell. Name tags are not very common in wraps, unless its a tailored piece with a tailor name tag, and even they aren't always there. That raises the antennas. I do not believe I have ever seen a radio operator and driver badge together on any uniform...but I don't suppose it's impossible.
The boards are slip on so it all comes down to when you think the tabs were applied. You have a 50/50 chance so it is up to you as you will get both answers from other collectors. Things that would change the odds are not present...like a photo of the owner wearing it or the name tag being traced to an actual panzer pioneer. You haven't said whether the seller made a big deal about it's rarity. That's a clue.
RichardComment
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Radio operator and driver badge together ? Seems unlikely...unless he started as a driver and then went to com school afterwords
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wrap
Raymond
Could you post a close up of the inner belt suspender system?Comment
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Richard the dealer didn't make any fuss over anything on the tunic. He had just gotten it when I saw it. I agree that anytime there are more bells and whistles you have to look closer. If a faker were to do something like this I would think they would have gone even further, say with a EKII ribbon and maybe a campaign shield and a few more loops. Then again a faker may be able to control himself.
One of the things I like about the insignia is it looks like it's been there a long time. It's pressed down into the cloth and the holes the thread made show some pulling, which to me looks like honest age. Of course I could be wrong on this.
Here are some photos of the belt suspenders.Comment
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