Germany, SS. A Rare 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian) Volunteer’s M43 Tunic

(Waffenrock für Freiwilliger der 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS [estnische Nr. 1]). A rare and extremely well-preserved 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian) volunteer’s M43 tunic, constructed of field-grey wool twill. The tunic features a collar which transitions into fold-down lapels through the breast flaps. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs, both constructed of black wool and measuring 40 mm (w) x 50 mm (l). On the right, an insignia tab features dual machine-embroidered silver-grey Sig runes, while the left tab presents plain, indicating a rank of SS-Mann. Each shoulder features an integrated strap and pebbled, magnetic metal button, securing in place two straps. The straps each measure 42 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) and are constructed of black wool with red Waffenfarbe piping, indicating Flak/Artillery personnel. Stitched onto the upper left arm is an array of fully-intact insignia, applied with zig-zag stitching indicating original factory application. The former includes an eagle insignia, consisting of a black rayon-blended backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 100 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Underneath the eagle is a divisional emblem consisting of a black-bordered shield bearing a machine-embroidered multi-coloured Estonian national flag, measuring 40 mm (w) x 52 mm (h). Finally, set underneath the shield is an insignia consisting of a circular black wool patch with a machine-embroidered silver-grey rank pip. Each breast flap has two pockets, all opening with plain horizontal flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled magnetic metal buttons in classic M43 style. Distributed around the waist are four sets of dual reinforced eyelets for the accommodation of an optional belt hanger. It closes with five pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. All buttons on the tunic are marked on the reverse with “A. & S.” for the firm of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. The interior features a partial field-grey cotton liner from which four integral straps emanate from the waist area, and bear arrangements of reinforced eyelets for belt support. The right flap bears black ink size dimensions of “43, 43, 102, 71, 62, 84”, but the tunic is otherwise unmarked. A single, narrow interior pocket is located at the lower left flap and opens with a reinforced buttonhole meeting a bakelite button. The interior features are completed with a cotton suspension loop secured into the collar, allowing the tunic to be hung when not in wear. It measures approximately 470 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 590 mm and an overall body length 680 mm. It displays only minor issues consistent with age and use, including some wear to the wool around the cuffs and collar, as well as loss of finish to the buttons. This rare and desirable SS foreign volunteer tunic is in an overall extremely fine condition.