Germany, Luftwaffe. A Pair of Luftwaffe Tropical Shorts, by Adolf Ahlers

(Luftwaffe kurze Sommerhose). An extremely well-preserved pair of Luftwaffe shorts, constructed of khaki-tan herringbone twill (HBT) cotton. The waistband features a hollow channel through which is looped an integral belt of identical construction, with each end emanating at the front. The left side is stitched into a loop to accommodate an aluminum buckle, while the right side loops through that buckle and two belt loops for an adjustable closure. The exterior also features four pockets, with two vertical pockets set into the front of the upper thighs, while two back pockets close with scalloped flaps meeting bakelite buttons. A French fly featuring four hidden bakelite buttons closes the shorts. The interior bears a partial olive-drab cotton liner set around the waistband, in turn bearing a number of marks. These include a maker’s mark of “A. AHLERS, ELVERDISSEN”, indicating high-quality manufacture by the clothier Adolf Ahlers, a depot code and manufacture date of “40”, and size dimensions. They measure approximately 380 mm across the waist, with an inseam of 370 mm, and an overall length of 490 mm (h). With only slight material fatigue evident, they are in an extremely fine condition.