Germany, Heer. An EM/NCO’s M44 Field Blouse, by Spiesshofer & Braun

(Heer Feldbluse M44). A well-preserved Heer EM/NCO’s M44 field blouse, constructed of a field-grey wool twill. It features a collar flanked on each side by tabs consisting of silver-grey rayon, bisected by central machine-embroidered dark grey bands, set within small bands of identical composition. Each tab measures 25 mm (w) x 65 mm (l). The shoulders are also flanked with integrated loops for the accommodation of straps, which have since been lost. The cuff of each sleeve has a vertical slit closing with a single pressed cardboard button fastening to a reinforced buttonhole. Each breast flap has a single pocket, opening with a horizontal flap with a reinforced buttonhole meeting a pebbled zink button. Stitched onto the right breast flap just above the pocket is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon triangle bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 100 mm (w) x 48 mm (h) overall. The blouse closes with six pebbled zink buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The interior features a partial tan-coloured cotton liner throughout the breast flaps, each of which feature a pocket opening with a horizontal flap. Stamped onto the left flap in black ink is a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0794/0021” for Spiesshofer & Braun, Heubach, set above size dimensions. Two integral straps of identical construction emanate from the liner just underneath the armpits. The blouse measures approximately 500 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 520 mm and a total body length of 570 mm. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, which includes some material fatigue to the wool (with a number of small holes), as well as loss of finish to the buttons. The blouse is in an overall very fine condition.