SS leather "Panzer" jacket?

[Marc verstraete]

Hello,

I would like to know what the opinion of you guy’s is on the leather SS “panzer” jackets. Although there are well known pictures of SS tank crew wearing leather jackets with SS insignias in Normandy (Wittman crew) and there are some of these uniforms in reputable collections; I always wonder if this was a very limited local use of these jackets or if this was a widespread fashion. From what I have seen, the SS used two models of leather jackets, the Kriegsmarine / U boot button up jacket and the panzer wrap around look-alike. Also, these last ones are never marked with navy stamps like all other KM leather equipments. This makes me think that these Panzer style jackets are not KM jackets at all but where intended for maybe the NSKK or why not, the W.H or SS panzers.

The one illustrated used to be displayed at the Battle of the Bulge museum in La Gleize and supposedly came from one of the villages in the battlefield zone.

Marc

[Marc verstraete]

All such jackets I have seen have the same markings.

[MGN]

The linning of the jacket looks right,
Marc can you see any evidence of insignia that might have been applied?
If panzer crews used them, WH and SS, so it can also be HG.

Michael

[Marc verstraete]

No traces of insignias on this jacket but if it has been used by the SS during the battle of the Bulge (I trust the curator of the museum for 100% about the origin of the item) it must have been by the units of Joachim Pieper as they where the SS troops in and around La Gleize.

I still would like to know for whom these jackets where introduced originally, KM, NSKK, W.H, SS, HG???

Marc

[Gordon Williamson]

Whoever they were originally intended for, they were certainly used by U-Boat crews.

[Marc verstraete]

Very nice picture Gordon, I like this use of the jacket by a U-boot member more than the eventual use by SS panzers. Wonder what type eagle and shoulder boards the U-boot crew used on these jackets.
This picture also remind me that at least two museum in Belgium have leather side caps and leather mod 43 mountain type caps with SS insignias on. I suppose they where also originally used by the KM or U-boot crew. Looks like the fellow on the picture has a leather side cap as well
Marc

[Chris Boonzaier]

I remember once speaking to a navy collector who called them S- Boot jackets, just to confuse things....

[Marc verstraete]

I remember once speaking to a navy collector who called them S- Boot jackets, just to confuse things....

S boot..?… Right… Thanks Chris… Anybody else with information to confuse the whole affaire?? What about the SS uniform collectors? No opinion? When I see these jackets in shows or on dealers lists they are always sold as SS panzers, there must be someone out there with info on this??

Marc

[stoneagegixer]

Leather SS kit

[QUOTE=Marc verstraete]This picture also remind me that at least two museum in Belgium have leather side caps and leather mod 43 mountain type caps with SS insignias on. I suppose they where also originally used by the KM or U-boot crew.

I'm glad that Marc mentioned the mod 43 caps and the fact he saw them at a museum. I've been trying to convince "expert" collecters/dealers that my cap is real. I suppose I could have made it up that it was acquired by a relative during the war so they cannot be blamed for not believing me. As soon as I learn how to post pics I will put it on. Unfortunately my uncle took the insignia off (both eagle and skull) as he was wearing it for a while after the war, but you can still see clearly the stiching where it used to be.

Lubos

PSif anyone has pics of soldiers wearing the m43 leather cap please post one or two or...

[MGN]

Hey Mark,
I found out today, that these leather jackets were really made for the Kreigsmarine and used by panzer crews including SS panzer crews.

For this to be a true SS leather panzer wrapper I as a collector would like to see insignia on it, collar tabs and shoulder boards, God help me if I find one with a real untouched cufftitle on it.

Museums and other dealers can say one thing, but you have to get this right out of the house or out of the "woodwork" as they say.

Hope this helps.
Michael

As for leahter overseas caps and m43's

[stoneagegixer]

Hello Michael aka MGN

I know you were the first to doubt a m43 cap...that is ok...anyway have a look at it on the new post.


Also Marc, does the cap look like anything you've seen at the museum in Belgium?

Lubos

[Daniele Tirelli]

Leather jacket

Hi everybody, just seen this thread today.
If this can help, But I have no pictures to confirm it, Many years ago were found in PRATO several of these combi (jacket + trousers) tied together, and all the jacket had a big eagle with a capital M "impressed" (please forgive my english") in the leather (in the inside, but I can't remember exactly where).
N.B. Prato, near Florence has been for many year the "capital of rags, tatters and combings": they arrived from worldwide! Thats because of the importance of the textile industry in that area. It WAS the collectors heaven.
I owned one once, but I have it no more. So its just my word, hope is enough!
Daniele

S boot..?… Right… Thanks Chris… Anybody else with information to confuse the whole affaire?? What about the SS uniform collectors? No opinion? When I see these jackets in shows or on dealers lists they are always sold as SS panzers, there must be someone out there with info on this??

Marc

[Chris Boonzaier]

A friend here in the area confirmed he has one and has sold another, both with navy stamps.

[Marc verstraete]

Thank you very much for the picture and all the info. Navy it is, we all agree ! Value with the trousers?? ( NO navy markings)

Marc

[MGN]

I value the trousers say in mint(y) condition at $500 tops, and the wrapper at $800 maybe,
So say $1300 for the set in excellnet plus condition

Hope this helps,
Michael