Heer Artillery Officer Tunic for opinions...

[dzyner]

Hi all.

I came across this Artillery tunic and would like to get some opinions on it from the group. I like the tunic overall, although there are a couple of things about it that I question. I don't like the breast eagle, and how the wreath completely overlaps the pocket flap. If you look at the interior shot you can see that it's been sewn completely through the breast pocket flap, essentially affixing the flap to the body of the tunic. I've personally never come across a Heer breast eagle that has crept so far into the pocket flap. Some have touched the top seam of the flap, but never completely covering it. I thought only the Luftwaffe were allowed to sew their breast eagles over the flap?

There is also evidence that the collar tabs have been replaced at some point. You can see remnants of thread on the reverse of the collar. The discoloration level of the tabs also does not match the boards; they look newer.

Another thing that I question is the interior lining. It appears to completely cover the interior. All of the books and research material I have show that the liner on this style tunic should only cover roughly the top 2/3 of the interior.

Thoughts?





































Thanks!
Dzyner

I collect WW2 Third Reich German Uniforms, US Uniforms and Japanese Uniforms.

[txuko]

If I am not mistaken, it is a coast artillery with officer heer artillery insignias added.

[dzyner]

If I am not mistaken, it is a coast artillery with officer heer artillery insignias added.

Hi txuko. You might be right! It fits the design of the M40 KM Coastal Artillery tunic almost perfectly. Is it possible this was converted to Heer Artillery during wartime, or do you think the insignia were added post war?

[txuko]

Hi txuko. You might be right! It fits the design of the M40 KM Coastal Artillery tunic almost perfectly. Is it possible this was converted to Heer Artillery during wartime, or do you think the insignia were added post war?

Postwar reaplied insignias. IMO

have you asked in Kriegsmarine Uniforms and Equipment Forum?

Kriegsmarine Uniforms and Equipment Forum:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...play.php?f=239

Regards.

[steiner99]

In my opinion the tunic is reproduction with original insignias.
The tailor how added the insignias did not have much experience how the insignias should be.

Cheers,
steiner99

[DonC]

I do not get a good feeling about the tunic. The boards and tabs look to be original, IMO.

Don

[Johnny R]

I would leave it alone and wait for a standard example with a Heer pattern tunic. I have seen Coastal Artillery tunics turned into Heer tunics that were period done-usually NCO "walking out" tunics but it is very rare. Seeing eagles sewn over the pocket flap like that on modified and tailor made clothing was also done but is very uncommon.

[dzyner]

I would leave it alone and wait for a standard example with a Heer pattern tunic. I have seen Coastal Artillery tunics turned into Heer tunics that were period done-usually NCO "walking out" tunics but it is very rare. Seeing eagles sewn over the pocket flap like that on modified and tailor made clothing was also done but is very uncommon.

Thanks Johnny. In your opinion does this one stand a chance of being original (with period applied insignia) based on the stitching and what you're able to see in the photos? Based on your comment, it sounds like you're leaning in that direction, but I don't want to assume. I also hate to pass on an original, even if it is an oddball - as long as the price is right

[OSS]

If the base (KM enlisted issue) tunic is a fake, God help us all.

[dzyner]

If the base (KM enlisted issue) tunic is a fake, God help us all.

OSS, I don't believe the tunic itself is a fake, nor are the insignia. At first I had doubts about the tunic, based on the elements I mentioned in my initial post. However, as txuko pointed out it's a KM Coastal Artillery tunic, which is correct. The bigger question at the moment is whether or not the insignia were post-war or wartime applied.

[Johnny R]

Thanks Johnny. In your opinion does this one stand a chance of being original (with period applied insignia) based on the stitching and what you're able to see in the photos? Based on your comment, it sounds like you're leaning in that direction, but I don't want to assume. I also hate to pass on an original, even if it is an oddball - as long as the price is right

I did not say it is a original set, the tunic probably is original Coastal artillery and the insignia is orginal but not sure on the eagle. On the jacket everything looks okay but I have never seen that stamp before it it is a little "wordy" and excessive with Adolfhitlerstrasse etc. but could be okay.

I think it is most likely as the other people suggested put together post War. I do not like the eagle or the application. They did use KM tunics but it was very rare, I have seen maybe 5 in all and this one to me looks like it was put probably together post War.

[Johnny R]

This is one that probably is period done, for some reason almost always used by Army NCOs. Probably stealing them or trading for them. The tunics were KM fully lined and warmer and the wool of the early tunics was better quality etc.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=360918

[phild]

We have a measurment (actually 2) in that size stamping that is well over 4 feet long!

Could this "tunic" have orginally been made in a size 52 inch chest? IF so that is a first for me to see.

It's been a long time since I owned a CA wool tunic, but did they not have front belt supports as well as rear?

Look at the the alignment of the skirt pockets (or lack or it) with the chest pockets.....this look crazy to me.

I think that it is a period made item that has been very much modified. Hard to say when, but probably during the period as it shows a lot of work if that is the case.....I'm wondering if it is made from a greatcoat....peices of a greatcoat re-built by a "sewer" (I am not sure tailor would be the right name in this case) into a tunic.

It may be KM but most of those were BAK or BAW stamped....I don't know, but this one should really be re-looked with an open mind.

[DonC]

Not for my collection, I will say that. Suum Cuique.

Don

[phild]

Let me add that on a re-look at the thread I see what appears to be traces of earlier EM tabs as pointed out in the posts (sorry I missed this earlier) so that along with the collar backing would rule out greatcoat I guess.

Please look carefully at the shoulder seams....how they are sewn....no overlap....these have certainly been re-sewn as inverted "smooth" seams....never doen on issue type tunics....so as a minimum this has been completly re-built from a dissassembled tunic of a very large size.

The skirt pockets are almost at the rear of this tunic now!