panzer wrapper

[Giel VW]

Hello,
Someone offered me this panzer wrapper, I really don't know anything about them, because I collect awards. The reason why posting it, is because the price is almost unbelievable .
I would be very greatful to you guys if you would give some opinions about this wrap!

Thanks,
Giel

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[phild]

I feel it is an original one based on the photos. The breast eagle has been re-sewn, as often seen on uniforms that stayed in Europe, and it is very unusual to find 43 depot dated jackets with the cotton lining and with a maker's name instead of a Rb number. My guess is that this wrap was actually made well back into 1942 and just not depot processed/marked until 43. All uniforms arrived at the depots with a paper or cardboard manufacture's tag sewn on and these size markings and maker's name were merely transcribed in item via the ink stamping. The tags were also dated, however the date seen stamped in the item will be the actual year (and letter abrev.) of when it was put into inventory at the depot...I've encountered a number of instances where the tag (when still present of course!) was dated a year earlier than the ink date.

Everything else I see seems correct. It may have been shortened a bit and the take up tapes and belt hook supports have been removed. Look carefully in good light for traces of the removal of these features. All three of these modifications were very common, almost standard, on issue wraps that were bought for best dress type uniforms. Even privates could get authorization to buy these and would often do so if they had the money. Of course many of these fitted best dress wraps were often used in the field as the war progressed and these guys needed replacement uniforms, so strictly speaking these modifications do not preclude a wrap from being combat worn.

In my estimation about 80 to 90% of all wraps that we encounter today were left behind best dress of simply never issued from the supply system. It is very uncommon to find a wrap that truly shows signs of having been worn in combat.

In my opinion the example you show is very worthy of a collection.

[TONY Q.W.]

Hi Giel, from the pics the jacket looks good so far. Colar tabs with wool piping look look original to the tunic. Eagle looks good too. The only thing I canot tell is shoulder strap as pic is not clear.