Drillich tunic, opinions please...

[Robert P.]

I picked this HBT up awhile back, studied it, and believe it's an original M42. But it never hurts to have the uniform experts express their opinions. So feel free to make comments...

The sunlight has really lightened up the fabric/photos making it look really 'washed out', especially the buttonhole ribbons, which have a very nice aged patina to them.

Robert

[Robert P.]

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[Robert P.]

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[Robert P.]

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[anmarlodz]

Original M42 hbt summer jacket.

[Robert P.]

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[Robert P.]

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[Robert P.]

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[Robert P.]

Thank you, anmarlodz.

Robert

[Robert P.]

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[Johnny R]

The tunic is original. The ribbons, loops and chevron may have been added more recently.

[Robert P.]

The tunic is original. The ribbons, loops and chevron may have been added more recently.

What 'red flags' do you see that make you suspicious of this?

Robert

[Johnny R]

The wear on the ribbons and chevron does not match the tunic and at that rank it would be very odd for him to have all of those awards. Are the loops made from the same thread as those used on the ribbons? The eagle looks replaced to as the bottom appears hand sewn. Normally it would be machine sewn all the way around.

[Robert P.]

The wear on the ribbons and chevron does not match the tunic and at that rank it would be very odd for him to have all of those awards. Are the loops made from the same thread as those used on the ribbons? The eagle looks replaced to as the bottom appears hand sewn. Normally it would be machine sewn all the way around.

Yes, the loop thread and ribbon thread are the same it appears.

I'm not really concerned with whether or not the eagle has been reapplied. I would venture to say many tunics had eagles replaced under normal wear during the war period, them being so vulnerable to damage from wear.

Wouldn't the chevron have been added after a series of awards were won (GAB, wound badge, etc.)?

Robert

[Johnny R]

It may have been added during the War but in my personal opinion the loops, ribbons and chevron were probably added post War to enhance the tunic. That is just my opinion. Is there differential fading of the tunic under the ribbons?