Germany, Luftwaffe. A Flak/Artillery Flieger’s Service Tunic, by Lippische Uniformfabrik

(Luftwaffe Waffenrock für Flieger der Flak/Artillerie). An extremely well-preserved Luftwaffe Flak/Artillery Flieger’s service tunic, constructed of dark grey wool. It features a turned-down collar transitioning into double breast lapels, flanked on each side by tabs. The former are constructed of red wool with buckram cores, pinned with a single aluminum gull, and measure 42 mm (w) x 55 mm (l). The shoulders are flanked by straps constructed of dark grey wool and trimmed with red piping. Measuring 45 mm (w) x 100 mm (l). Each strap is secured in place with machine stitching at the outer edge and by pebbled zink buttons on the inner edge. The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 155 mm and is secured in place with machine stitching at both the front and back. Each breast flap features two pleated pockets, all opening with rectangular flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled aluminum buttons. Stitched onto the tunic just above the upper right pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark grey wool base bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, measuring 95 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). It closes with five pebbled aluminum buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the opposite flap. All pocket and breast buttons on the tunic are maker marked on the reverse “E. SCHNEIDER, LÜDENSCHEID” or “C. TH. DICKE”, indicating period application. The interior is fully encompassed by a slate-grey cotton liner which continues through the arms. A large pocket is set into the upper left flap, with an additional narrow pocket on the lower right flap. Stamped above the left pocket in black ink is a mark of “LIPPISCHE UNIFORMFABRIK”, topped by partially-legible size dimensions, and above an additional illegible mark. Two straps emanate from the midsection, each perforated on the reverse with six reinforced eyelets for the accommodation of an optional belt hanger. Completing the interior features are five black bakelite buttons distributed around the collar and upper lapels. The tunic measures approximately 450 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 570 mm, and an overall body length of 710 mm. Some issues consistent with age and use are evident, including a small tear to the upper left arm, with small patches and fatigue and mothing to both the tunic and shoulder straps, as well as some loss of finish to the buttons and the application of an unknown white ink mark to the lower back. The tunic is in an overall better than very fine condition.