44th Reichs-Grenadier Division Tunic

[Tan Berk]

I am curious to hear comments on this tunic! Sorry for the inadequate seller photos.

The seller notes:

Rare M36 tunic from a surviving officer of the doomed 44th Reichs-Grenadier Division "Hoch und Deutschmeister", worn by an infantry oberleutnant who possibly escaped death at Stalingrad to join his reformed division. The four pleated-pocket wool tunic bears six original buttons and shoulderboards which each bear the insignia known as the "Hoch und Deutschmeister Kreuz", a small blue Maltese cross edged in gold, with a Reichsadler and banner in the center reading "STALINGRAD". The boards are sewn to the tunic, and each bears a single brass pip (oxidized). Silver bullion chest eagle is original to the garment, and a three-position ribbon bar which includes an Iron Cross with Swords. Within, the garment is fully lined in gray rayon, with the sleeves lined in a striped cotton. In overall excellent condition, no mothing or other damage apparent. After its near total destruction at Stalingrad, the reformed division was sent to the Gothic Line in Italy where it fought at Monte Cassino before being shifted to Hungary.

[Tan Berk]

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[Tan Berk]

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[Tan Berk]

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[billbert]

I like the distinctive Austrian styled pocket flaps for a start..Billbert

[Zauberflöte]

Fine base infantry walking out officers tunic. Whether indeed genuinely belonging to the 44th Reichs-Grenadier Division is another question though. These Stalingrad crosses have been en-masse copied (I'm no expert on them but I'm sure there must be a thread covering it), but considering these are real than you have to make yourself sure when they were applied....? It is a great and easy way to upgrade a tunic in value of course.

Perhaps a photo of the other shoulderboard as well, does that rank pip show similar oxidation?

F.

[Tan Berk]

Fine base infantry walking out officers tunic. Whether indeed genuinely belonging to the 44th Reichs-Grenadier Division is another question though. These Stalingrad crosses have been en-masse copied (I'm no expert on them but I'm sure there must be a thread covering it), but considering these are real than you have to make yourself sure when they were applied....? It is a great and easy way to upgrade a tunic in value of course.

Perhaps a photo of the other shoulderboard as well, does that rank pip show similar oxidation?

F.

Dear F. I wish I could see the tunic in real but these are the only photos the seller offers. But thank you for the tips.

[djpool]

IMHO the crosses are the non text book variety. Here is a comparison with a "textbook" cross on the right. The differences between the two eagles are obvious.

Personally I believe the non text book crosses may be original, however I have no concrete evidence to back up my opinion.

Jim

[Towarish]

IMHO the crosses are the non text book variety. Here is a comparison with a "textbook" cross on the right. The differences between the two eagles are obvious.
Personally I believe the non text book crosses may be original, however I have no concrete evidence to back up my opinion.
Jim

I totaly agree with you, Jim.

Please see below some photos of my HuD shoulderboards with "text book" crosses.
The tunic came directly from the family of the bearer.

Cheers,
Philipp

IMG_951511.jpg

IMG_951111.jpg

[Zauberflöte]

I totaly agree with you, Jim.

Please see below some photos of my HuD shoulderboards with "text book" crosses.
The tunic came directly from the family of the bearer.

Cheers,
Philipp

[ATTACH]2447120[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]2447126[/ATTACH]

Nice!
Chance for us to see more of the tunic?
Thank you

[stonemint]

Tunic is here. The visors are almost all bad. The GD Panzerknacker Wrapper was determined to be a parts piece. IMHO, someone is dumping a bad collection.

http://auctions.alexautographs.com/a...refno=+++73843

[CWP]

That description is atrocious. "Iron Cross with Swords"???? A surviving officer who possibly escaped death at Stalingrad... Please.

[Towarish]

That description is atrocious. "Iron Cross with Swords"???? A surviving officer who possibly escaped death at Stalingrad... Please.

Those are exactly my thoughts, Chris.
I would expect a few more awards - mehr Blech an der Titte - for a battle hardened Officer of this Division.
Maybe he transferred?

[Towarish]

Nice!
Chance for us to see more of the tunic?
Thank you

Of course mate - here we go.
The tunic is slightly worn without any defects or holes.
IMG_95341.jpg

Partially decked-out.
IMG_95171.jpg

Cheers,
Philipp

[Tan Berk]

HuD shoulderboards

the infamous tunic might be bad but at least we have started to talk about HuD shoulderboards again