Got this rare little treasure in today!

[NickG]

OK understood...it does not make sence to not have zippers in that area!
In that case its not the norm (you've examined several) for these to lack zippers on top and Brannow's treasure is a much better example!
It does appear nothing is stitched shut! Much better example! I wrongly assumed it was a production short cut or something!

[NickG]

For those who might have some spare change laying around here's one that' s been offered for $28K!!!
Same eagle on the chest as they were designed to have!
Clearly yes a leather pull is visible...(top and bottom zipper areas!)
The one in Beaver's book (Vol.3) without chest eagle, also appears to lack zipper pulls, but maybe that's just the photography ?
(p.898-899) who knows?
Either way these are just awesome! A dream to own ! Great find and thanks for sharing!

[kammo man]

That's one stupid looking arm Cammo !
Who in their right mind would have the bad taste in life to get that horrible arm art holding a funny jacket ?

[Hilton]

By the look of it the arm belongs to a member/former member of the Legion Etrangere.

[brannow]

Hi All,

Thanks for the comments. Mine has the typical zipper pockets. Here is a photo of the upper right pocket. I have seen them with the plastic zipper also.

Bill Rannow
Mpls, MN

[Marflower]

Hi
I would imagine that the missing zips were more a problem of late war shortages. It seems pointless to cut the material to have chest pockets and then use extra material to cover it up.
Is there any chance that you could show photos of the inside of the tunic and a close up of the pop studs, please? I have recently seen an example with the 4 white bakelite Ri-Ri zips and Pea dot HBT for the arms, collar and flare pistol holster.
Cheers
John

[NickG]

Lacking functioning zippers on some specimens could indeed be an issue of parts shortages,
as it is a late war garment, the Reich crumbling...I agree !
Again what an awesome find. CONGRATS !!! These are so cool.
If we could only find photographic proof of these being issued late war, that would make it even better !

Unfortunately this period image is probably not such a smock in wear...(regular dot tunic+pants) or is it?
Red line a pocket flap?
Splinter jump smocks were the norm of course ..note added SS sleeve eagle in 2nd image.

[rob NL]

Very nice smock, and totally textbook.
Thanks for showing.

Here's one of the two I own. Also through a US vet.

Sorry for the picture, damn iPad.

[rob NL]

Zipper.

[killroy]

Very nice pick up Bill! Keep up the good finds!

Jeff

[brannow]

Thanks again guys! I will post more photos when I get it on a mannequin.

Bill Rannow
Mpls, MN

[Max Wünsche]

Very nice smock, and totally textbook.
Thanks for showing.

Here's one of the two I own. Also through a US vet.

Sorry for the picture, damn iPad.

What a fantastic mannequin setup....

[Gran Sasso]

Unfortunately this period image is probably not such a smock in wear...(regular dot tunic+pants) or is it?
Red line a pocket flap?

IMO it shows a jump-smock. I know this pic in much better resolution, there you can see the white dot on the soulder is in exact position of a riri-zipp, you can even see the hole for the pull-tab

[Askold]

What an amazing find!

[kammo man]

Rob
Very nice
Owen