Gebirgsjager Windjacke in KM service

[NickG]

I bought this GJ double breasted Mountaineering "Windjacke" jacket from a U-boat collector who purchased it from a KM collector in Italy while vacationing there. The Italian guy believed it was a private purchase because of the KM buttons on it. It does look like the buttons have been on it forever, not newly added.

I was aware it was a Mountain troop jacket when I purchased it, but I was told that U-boat guys would have worn such coats in the Mediterranean area as leather jackets were too hot and officers often dolled up private purchase jackets to wear.
True? If so,
ANY PHOTOS AVAILABLE TO SHOW OF GJ JACKETS WORN BY KM U BOAT CREWS IN THE MED?

It had original KM boards on it which the seller kept... What is on it now are repros.
Is it a valid explanation? True story? Good coat?

[NickG]

KM use ?

[NickG]

Last image! Any photos of this type coats in KM service?
Thanks
Nick

[John Huff]

This style of jacket was popular in Germany with civilians as well as the military. I have even seen pics of Hitler wearing one.
The size stamps make no sense whatsoever and are certainly contrived...

[km-spain]

Nick, sorry but never seen a picture of one of these in use with KM personel

[NickG]

The size stamps make no sense whatsoever and are certainly contrived...

Agreed John! I measured it! This is what it should have looked like if it had been size stamped accurately. The faker did not do his homework!
I never bothered verifying these measurements as the seller of course claimed it was the real deal wanting $300 for it. ("buy it now" price)

I knew it was a questionable coat so took a gamble at a reduced $100, as its a cool coat to wear and that's about the price repros go for (albeit in new condition)!
I have 2 originals in my collection already so no harm done!

It's stil a well made coat and in quality calico hardwearing windbreaker cloth (unlike cheaper Asian knock offs in a much thinner cotton!) so I am still happy with it.
I will post images later of U-boat men wearing such GJ jackets in the Med (if true and after I receive these from the former owner of this coat)


I stripped the original KM buttons which are worth a good sum. These will be replaced with resin buttons so I will have a nice representation of a "GJ Windjacke" for modern day use!
The seller (supposedly a big U-Boat collector) wrote to me today, after I asked for period images of U-boat crews wearing such coats, as follows:

Sure........when I get back home I will look up the photos and email some to you.....KM, just like the LW, men were permitted to use almost anything in a U-boat or an aircraft as long as the rank and branch of service was utilized. I don't know if you have seen the photo of Erich Cremer (U-333) wearing a panzer wrap and camo tanker trousers while on board his U-boat.....lots of other odd combinations. J

[NickG]

This is the closest I could find while trawling the web...
Non leather double breasted coats with hand warmer pockets (here fur lined)

[km-spain]

Nick, I have seen several pics using this kind of jacket, in your last post, we call theme here in Spain a Canadian jacket.