Germany, Heer. A Pair of Infantry Trousers, Private Purchase

A pair of straight-legged, stone grey trousers with white piping at the sides (indicative of infantry). The front left and right sides bear a concealed pocket with no flap, the pocket is lined in beige fabric, and bears two yellow stripes. The right side bears a small horizontal concealed pocket close to the fly with a single pleat. The pleat is duplicated on the left side but the pocket is not. The fly closes with five flat tan four-hole buttons on the right and five corresponding concealed reinforced stitched buttoning holes on the left. The back right bears a horizontal concealed welt pocket with a single flat tan four-hole button closure with corresponding reinforced stitched buttoning hole. The back left side bears no pocket. The waistband measures 40 mm and bears a metal loop stitched onto the front right side. The back of the waistband is peaked and slit in the centre, with stitching detail in a diamond shape. The waistband is lined with grey fabric and bears six flat tan four-hole buttons. The left and right side bears a small woven tab with metal snaps. The inside of the bottoms of the trousers bear a strip of grey woven fabric and two flat tan four-hole buttons. Measuring 390 mm (waist), 810 mm (inseam), 1140 mm (outseam). Minor discolouration, but otherwise extremely fine.

Footnote: Privately purchased uniforms had to be tailored within the regulations; however, privately tailored uniforms were typically of a better quality material and could differ from official patterns. Fashion trends easily influenced cuts and styles of uniforms made in private capacity. Long trousers that were privately purchases could deviate from regulation by being piped with the branch colour the soldier belonged to, but this was permitted within regulations.