Original Combat NCO SS M41 tunic

[sonderverband]

I get very lucky now and then in collecting, and yesterday was one of my days. Long story short is a mutual friend introduced me to a guy that collected a few things back in the 70's. He was looking to sell them so we arranged a meeting. In the group was an SS tunic and SS M42 helmet. Both are very interesting and totally original. Here's the tunic....

It's a Heer M41 that was issued to the SS. The sleeve eagle is factory sewn (missing a wing tip) and the tresse is original to the tunic too. The insignia is real but hand sewn rather poorly so I'm considering that to be restored to the piece. There is clear evidence of a sleeve shield and a very strong possibility of a cufftitle. Both areas have nap and the shield area has a few remaining threads. There was never a Heer eagle or tabs on this piece. The award loops (a long medal bar or close combat plus two pocket awards) are original.

The tunic has all kinds of repairs, and luckily none are in the front. There are two big patches on the sleeves (one looks wartime the other I'm not sure) and all the button holes in front have been re-done. This thing saw a LOT of use and was probably sent in for repairs and re-issued -- if it had a sleeve shield it would make sense that they got "sloppy seconds." My 5th SS vet friend got a re-worked Heer M36 tunic in 1944 and he hated it because it looked like crap. I think this tunic may have been a vet bring back that had all the insignia (minus the eagle because it's damaged) and tresse removed to be sold piecemeal because of the condition of the tunic. People back in the 60's just didn't know what this stuff would be worth one day and didn't care about the historical value.

Anyway, repairs or not these are super rare and I'm really proud. Have a look:

[sonderverband]

Note the wear on the tresse on the runes side.

[sonderverband]

Poor job of hand sewing with the tabs.

[sonderverband]

The back is fine, minus that mystery stain.

[sonderverband]

I think the repair on the right is REALLY nice but the patch on the left, while solidly done makes me wonder. I'm no expert here.

[sonderverband]

Patch and reinforced button holes. The old thread is darker.

[sonderverband]

Early pattern cotton lining

[sonderverband]

Hard to see in the pic, but in hand you can see it had a shield and a cufftitle.

[Sjking]

Hi

Poor quality tailoring is not an indication of original or wartime application, it's actually a nice change from seeing everything machine sewn etc

[Sjking]

.

Although rune tabs etc are probably post war sewn, I would expect a bevo tab to looked more worn and sunk into the tunic more in relation to the condition and wear of the tunic

[H-U Rudel]

Although rune tabs etc are probably post war sewn, I would expect a bevo tab to looked more worn and sunk into the tunic more in relation to the condition and wear of the tunic

I also think so. Don`t pay too much for this tunic. I`d pay just the value of a stripped WH tunic + the rune tabs, damaged sleeve eagle and shoulder boards.

kind regards

Uli

[sonderverband]

" I`d pay just the value of a stripped WH tunic + the rune tabs, damaged sleeve eagle and shoulder boards."

Then you'd be missing perhaps the only REAL SS M41 tunic you will ever come across in your life. This isn't a "is this real" thread. The tunic is a genuine SS issue M41 with original eagle and period tresse. I said in my first post that the tabs were added back in the 70's. I just wish it had ALL the insignia that was on it back in 1945.

[Thorsten B.]

You made a great score!

I wish I´d have had a day like you and I thank you for sharing your success with us.

So relax and enjoy a cold beer since you know what you´re talking about and the piece is yours, not anybody elses.

Cheers!

[sonderverband]

Thank you Thorsten!

[Kengir]

You made a great score!

Agreed! Congratulations!

Cheers,
Jeremy D. Stephens