Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Pair of Unissued Kriegsmarine M40 Tropical Shorts by Müller and Koch

(Kriegsmarine kurze Tropenhose). This is an extremely well-preserved pair of Kriegsmarine M40 tropical shorts, constructed of tan-coloured cotton twill. The shorts feature six embroidered light-brown belt loops, with two 100 mm-long side flaps stitched into the shorts at each side, fitting through adjustable magnetic metal buckles. There are two pockets opening with reinforced horizontal slits and buttonholes meeting a zink button, with a smaller front pocket on the left leg opening with a reinforced horizontal slit. There is a single rear pocket on the right leg, opening with a reinforced horizontal slit and buttonhole meeting a zink button. The shorts are opened with a 285 mm vertical slit, with six reinforced buttonhole on the left meeting an equal number of zink buttons on the right flap. The interior of the shorts features a loop and zink button arrangement accommodating two cotton suspender fasteners emanating from the exterior belt loop. There are additional white cotton ribbon stitched to the interior waste with magnetic metal snap-buttons. There is a single interior pocket stitched into the side of the left pocket lining, opening with a reinforced horizontal slit. The shorts bears their original manufacturer’s label sewn into the exterior, clearly reading “Müller & Koch, Bielefeld, 6/42, 96, 74”, with an identical inscription stamped into the interior of the shorts. The shorts measure approximately 455 mm across the waist and 548 mm through the legs. There are some minor spots of soiling on the exterior, but the shorts are in an unissued and otherwise extremely fine condition.