Combat Infantry Officers Tunic

[RobertE]

There's been a nice crop of officers tunics posted recently, and this is one I just picked up. This is an issue piece made from field grade wool, and looks like a heavily upgraded enlisted tunic to me.

It has remnants of the EKII ribbon and a nice set of original loops. It was supposed to have belonged to an officer named Doebler.

I really like these combat wool grade tunics - hope you do too!

regards, Robert

[RobertE]

Interior

[RobertE]

1

[RobertE]

I like this scalloped-pocket flap form -

[NickG]

No belt supports and has an inside pocket which enlisted tunics would not have...looks like it was made like this ...so as shown...
(but not from a tailor, has stamps and a partial liner, sleeves not lined...= field use grade!)
My guess is that it will also lack a first aid pouch, never had one...All indicators that it is an "off the rack" officers field uniform in my view,
issued through a depot. Very interesting!

[Johnny R]

No belt supports and has an inside pocket which enlisted tunics would not have...looks like it was made like this ...so as shown...
(but not from a tailor, has stamps and a partial liner, sleeves not lined...= field use grade!)
My guess is that it will also lack a first aid pouch, never had one...All indicators that it is an "off the rack" officers field uniform in my view,
issued through a depot. Very interesting!

No, it is made from a reworked overcoat.

This is Disney Land stuff- ""off the rack" officers field uniform in my view, issued through a depot.

Officer's bought issue factory made tunics (first aid pouches were applied in the factory) and modified them for field use. There were no issue "Officer's field uniforms"

[Disco Partisan]

it's greatcoat markings

[Johnny R]

This was fairly common to do later in the War. I have several of them. The tunics made from the greatcoats were warmer and the wool of much higher quality than the later issue fabrics.

[Disco Partisan]

This was fairly common to do later in the War

even more so after the war

[NickG]

OK now that makes much more sense...overcoat refurb! Use the remaining wool for the cuffs, pockets etc...This also explains the inside pocket! Good eye!
Question than becomes: when was it done...

No, it is made from a reworked overcoat.

This is Disney Land stuff- ""off the rack" officers field uniform in my view, issued through a depot.

Officer's bought issue factory made tunics (first aid pouches were applied in the factory) and modified them for field use. There were no issue "Officer's field uniforms"

That's what I eluded to in that other field conversion officers uniform thread...As you also state Johnny, there was no such thing as an officer version of a government/depot issued uniform for field use...I was puzzled with it's "off the rack" look with those size stamps) so I was surprised to see this one....
which is clearly not a EM tunic rework...but agreed I was off the mark!
Instead its a great coat rework! 116 length! Makes a lot more sense now! That explains the Depot issuance stamps and lack of belt supports...
This one will be hard to sell, albeit the fact that it was done war time as you explain. Good stuff! Based on how well it's done I would say period done!!
I can imagine these being a lot warmer with the thicker wool. That's why Dutch made / converted enlisted tunics were appreciated in the east,
better tailored (reinforced padded shoulders and thicker wool as well!)

[Johnny R]

even more so after the war

This looks like an original period piece to me. I have seen crude examples and tunics made from coats for early reenactors but it would be a lot of work to make one that matches the hand sewing and quality of wartime examples.

[Disco Partisan]

OK now that makes much more sense...overcoat refurb! Use the remaining wool for the cuffs, pockets etc...This also explains the inside pocket! Good eye!
Question than becomes: when was it done...

question "why is it in unworn condition" might answer it

This looks like an original period piece to me. I have seen crude examples and tunics made from coats for early reenactors but it would be a lot of work to make one that matches the hand sewing and quality of wartime examples.

All the work would be well paid if sold as period-made. Greatcoats are cheap.

[Johnny R]

This is one I have with the lining all hand sewn. It is done so well that it is hard to tell it was ever a coat.

[Johnny R]

The tunic I have was bought in the 1970s by a collector who is now deceased. I bought his collection probably 5 years ago. In the 1970s when issue tunics were about 100 US or less I doubt they were wasting their time making conversations like this to sell as real. As I mentioned, I remember when I started collecting in the 1970s, people making clothing for reenacting from original greatcoats which cost almost nothing, 25-30 Dollars. Now, and since the late 1980s maybe it is worth an attempt to fake but I doubt the one that started the thread is recently made.

[NickG]

With such great coat conversions, would they slim down the baggy sleeves too?
Just wondering...that is also a good great coat indicator, roomy sleeves!
and the French cuffs on these would work for an officer conversion tunic!