M44 SS Feldbluse Opinions Please

[tylermclaren]

Hi Guys. I recently purchased this nice M44 SS feldbluse from Butschek Antiques. I think everything looks good on this. The areas were the SS tabs once resided are clear, even some black stitching left. The area were the Sleeve Eagle once was has stitching visible along with a small corner of the BeVo type eagle. From the photos, do you believe this tunic was undoubtedly SS?

[tylermclaren]

Here is the sleeve eagle I plan to use to restore this tunic back to its original glory. What are your opinions on it's authenticity?

[besslein]

nice bevo eagle.

[tylermclaren]

I also purchased a nice SS tab set from Kelly Hicks. Please let me know what you think of these as well.

[RobertE]

With M44's and SS, I work my way backward:

1. Is it an original M44? Looks like it probably is.

2. Does it show signs of previous, non-SS use? Indications of previous army insignia, for instance.

3. Does it have SS characteristics? HBT liner, SS-BW markings, one-piece back, narrow shoulderstrap loops, ect. They also were frequently made from a different shade of wool - the brownish field grey was not used as much by the SS as by the army, IMO.

In the case of yours, I would not say it is absolutely SS, although the insignia traces look convincing. The liner looks very army.

It would probably take a good hands on for this one to get a clean bill of health.

s/f Robert

[viva_giulio]

tab are original and quite late, so no problem.

[Glenn McInnes]

Does it have SS characteristics? HBT liner, one-piece back, narrow shoulderstrap loops, ect. They also were frequently made from a different shade of wool - the brownish field grey was not used as much by the SS as by the army.

M-44's manufactured for Heer use can show all of the above characteristics too.











Glenn

[tylermclaren]

With M44's and SS, I work my way backward:

1. Is it an original M44? Looks like it probably is.

2. Does it show signs of previous, non-SS use? Indications of previous army insignia, for instance.

3. Does it have SS characteristics? HBT liner, SS-BW markings, one-piece back, narrow shoulderstrap loops, ect. They also were frequently made from a different shade of wool - the brownish field grey was not used as much by the SS as by the army, IMO.

In the case of yours, I would not say it is absolutely SS, although the insignia traces look convincing. The liner looks very army.

It would probably take a good hands on for this one to get a clean bill of health.

s/f Robert

Hi Robert.

The tunic has absolutely no signs of Heer insignia what so ever. The areas were the SS insignia once resided have a slightly greener hue to them, with the areas around them slightly darker (dirtier and more worn). This tunic was definitely combat worn as there is light blood spotting in areas.

As far as "good hands", This came from Butschek Antiques, so they went through Klaus' hands.

[WEISNER]

M-44's manufactured for Heer use can show all of the above characteristics too.
Glenn

Absolutely, and I am not aware of any different liner pattern for SS? Some I have seen have Betr. Ra. stamping and some don't.

Kev

[RobertE]

These are just my observations. The M44s were a universal jacket model, intended to be worn by all services, of course.

There are features that are not absolutely unique to SS, but more common to them than those from other services. They are traits, not absolutes, but they are reassuring (for me). Silver German and Italian HBT liners with SS-BW markings as well as those other features are things I look for in an SS M44. They also had bias tape that is from the same materials as they used in dot M-44s, but you really have to take the whole jacket into consideration with these.

It's great to hear there are no signs of previous insignia. The insignia, as mentioned, looks good and appropriate for a SS M44.

s/f Robert

[Blaise]

I wanted to buy this tunic. But I just couldn't.

[dhcoleterracina]

I'd rather see a Bevo tab than a RZM version, more common anyway.

[tylermclaren]

I'd rather see a Bevo tab than a RZM version, more common anyway.

The uniform does in fact have a distinct portion of BeVo eagle. I did buy an rzm type not yet knowing, but am switching to BeVo to keep it true to the tunic. I did decide to mismatch with the wool tabs because I've seen a good number of late war tunics configured this way. Anyone else think I'm making a mistake by not going all BeVo?

[besslein]

The uniform does in fact have a distinct portion of BeVo eagle. I did buy an rzm type not yet knowing, but am switching to BeVo to keep it true to the tunic. I did decide to mismatch with the wool tabs because I've seen a good number of late war tunics configured this way. Anyone else think I'm making a mistake by not going all BeVo?

then was no rule all bevo,or all rzm.

[tylermclaren]

then was no rule all bevo,or all rzm.

Yeah they pretty much put on whatever was available at the time. The tabs that I have chosen really have identical wear and age as the tunic, that's why I made that decision.