Germany, Heer. A Cavalry/Armoured Reconnaissance Leutnant Service Tunic

(Heer Waffenrock für Leutnant der Kavallerie/Aufklärung). A well-preserved Heer Cavalry/Armoured Reconnaissance Leutnant service tunic, constructed of field-grey wool. The tunic features an integrated smooth dark green wool collar, flanked on each side by tabs. The former are constructed of dark green wool with buckram cores, each bearing dual machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire insignia bisected by golden-yellow threaded bands, and measure 40 mm (w) x 75 mm (l). Each shoulder is adorned with a board constructed of cardboard-reinforced golden-yellow wool, bearing four bands of a silver aluminum wire piping and held in place by machine stitching at the outer edge and by pebbled zink buttons on the inner edge. The boards both measure 35 mm (w) x 100 mm (l). Two pockets are set into each breast flap, all opening with stylized horizontal flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled magnetic metal buttons. Stitched onto the tunic above the upper right pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark green wool backer bearing a hand-embroidered silver aluminum wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. It measures 100 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Dual horizontally-arranged threaded loops above the upper left pocket retain a medal ribbon bar featuring three decorations, including a War Merit Cross with Swords, an Eastern Front Medal, and a Sudetenland Medal, all affixed to a 45 mm-long magnetic metal bar. An additional set of horizontally-arranged loops are set just underneath the bar, with three further sets of vertically-arranged loops over both upper pockets, accommodating decorations which have since been lost. The tunic closes with six pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Looped through the second buttonholes is a 1939 Iron Cross II Class ribbon, secured to the tunic at both ends with stitching. The interior features a complete black rayon liner, transitioning into a white material through the arms. A single pocket is set into the upper left flap, with a further slit near the waistband for the inclusion of a dagger hanger. It features an integral belt consisting of two black rayon straps completing in magnetic metal buckles. Riveted to the interior of the collar are three magnetic metal butterfly clips meeting an optional collar stay, with additional hooks and loops for secure closure. The tunic is fully unmarked and measures approximately 420 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 560 mm and an overall body length of 660 mm. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include material fatigue and mothing to the exterior wool, particularly visible to the back of the collar, along with minor soiling and loss of button finish. The tunic is in an overall very fine condition.