Germany, Heer. A Pair of Heer (Army) M42 Tropical Shorts

(Heer Tropen Kurze Hose). This is an very well-preserved pair of Heer (Army) M42 tropical shorts, constructed of olive-drab cotton twill. The waistband features an integrated belt in the form of a tan-coloured herringbone strap meeting a magnetic metal buckle with three prongs and a single cotton loop. The shorts are closed by a vertical fly with six silvered zink buttons meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes. The shorts have two side pockets opening with diagonal slits, a small frontal pocket with a horizontal slit, and a single reverse pocket opening with a horizontal slit and reinforced buttonhole meeting a silvered zink button. Above the frontal pocket is a magnetic metal loop held in place by cotton threading. The interior features a white cotton liner throughout the belt area, maker marked “Hans ?, Würzburg” (the maker’s surname is illegible), with size marks of “78, 88, 111, 102” and a model number of “M42”. An additional number “9” is also stamped on the belt liner. Two cotton straps with non-functional magnetic metal snap buttons are also located on the interior, with a cotton loop for hanging the shorts when not in use. The shorts measures approximately 425 mm across the waist, with an inseam of 210 mm and an overall length of 522 mm. With the exception of a small reverse hole and soiling they are in a better than very fine condition.