Germany, Heer. A Panzer Major’s M43 Tropical Field Tunic

(Heer Waffenrock M43 für Major der Panzertruppe). An extremely well-preserved Heer Panzer Major’s tropical M43 field tunic, constructed of olive-drab cotton twill. It features a turned-down collar which transitions into double lapels, and which is flanked on each side by tabs. The latter are constructed of dark green rayon bases defaced by machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire insignia, in turn bisected by rose-pink threaded tresses. The shoulders are flanked by boards constructed of rose-pink cotton bases topped by four bands of silver aluminum wire piping. Both measuring 35 mm (w) x 105 mm (l), the boards are secured in place at the outer edges with integral loops meeting straps emanating from the reverse of the boards, and with pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the inner edge. Each sleeve features a cuff with a vertical slit closing with a pair of pressed card stock buttons for an adjustable fit. Set into the breast flaps are four non-pleated pockets, all opening with straight horizontal flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled pebbled zink buttons. Stitched onto the right breast flap just above the top pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark green rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 125 mm (w) x 50 mm (h). Both of the top pockets are overlaid by vertically-arranged threaded loops for the accommodation of decorations with vertical pinback, with an additional arrangement of horizontal loops above the left pocket for the addition of a medal or ribbon bar. The waist is flanked on each side by three reinforced eyelets for the use of an optional belt hanger. It closes with five pebbled zink buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The interior is unlined and features two straps with eyelets meeting the analogous perforations in the tunic, and bears blank ink size marks on the right breast flap, above a manufacture date of “F43”. It measures approximately 45 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 60 cm, and an overall body length of 72.5 cm. Demonstrating only minor material fatigue, the tunic remains in an extremely fine condition.