Early Surcoat

[David H]

I picked this up the other day, ok surcoats aren't everyone's cup of tea, but this was in such great condition and a reasonable price I just couldn't leave it behind.
I do have a couple of questions, I don't know too much about these. I do have a late war one, which has a hood. Now this one does not have a hood, never had one. Also it appears it has not had loops for attaching shoulderstraps or buttons either, is that correct or would it have had those loops originally?

Any help appreciated

[David H]

2

[David H]

3

[pauke]

This is the first Wachmantel with a dark green collar I have seen and the M38 date is interesting. Pre-war I would only guess that a hood was not deemed necessary for a little time on guard duty compared to 1942 being in Russia and for a temporary duty coat it would not be necessary to show one's rank with shoulder straps. A very nice example.

[rbno]

I think I have its twin, except that mine has loops for shoulder straps and buttons embossed with the number "4". The loops are machine sewn, but I don't think there is a good way to tell when they were put on. The only marking I can find is in the front of the internal pocket above the internal buttoning flap, the same pocket as the one posted by David. It is "M. Schlemenz / Berlin N20". There are no size or depot markings, at least none that I can find.

I would think the numbered buttons would be added by the unit, not at the factory. So the loops might also have been added by the unit.

Al