Germany, Luftwaffe. A Blue Service Shirt

(Luftwaffe Diensthemd). An extremely well-preserved Luftwaffe blue service shirt, constructed of a pale blue-grey cotton/linen blend. It features a turned-down collar, flanked on each side by integral shoulder loops for the accommodation of optional straps. The cuff of each sleeve has a vertical slit closed with a single reinforced buttonholes meeting two dark grey bakelite buttons, allowing for an adjustable fit. Each breast features a single pleated pocket, opening with a gently scalloped flap with a reinforced buttonhole meeting a dark grey bakelite button. Stitched onto the shirt just above the right pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark grey wool backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 100 mm (w) x 50 mm (h) and is secured in place with its factory-original zig-zag stitching. A pullover-style shirt, it has a chest-length central reinforced slit closing with four dark grey bakelite buttons on the right meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Stamped onto the right side of the flap is a black ink mark of “L.B.A.B. 40” indicating acceptance by Luftwaffenbekleidungsamt Berlin in 1940. The interior presents plain with the exception of a mark of “41” stamped onto the collar in black ink. With no visible signs of damage or wear, it is in an overall extremely fine condition.