Germany, SS. A Rare 17th Götz von Berlichingen SS-Panzergrenadier Untersturmführer’s Tunic

(Waffen-SS Dienstrock für Untersturmführer). Constructed of field-grey wool, it features a turned-down smooth dark green wool collar, flanked on each side by tabs. The latter are each constructed of black wool with buckram cores, and are trimmed with twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire piping. On the right, an insignia tab bears dual machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire Sig runes. On the left, a rank tab is pinned with three gilded zink rank pips. Each tab measures 45 mm (w) x 60 mm (l) overall. The shoulders are flanked with boards constructed of cardboard-reinforced black wool, trimmed with a layer of pink piping, and bearing four bands of silver aluminum wire piping. Each measuring 35 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the boards are secured in place with machine stitching at the outer edge, and with pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the inner edge. Stitched onto the upper left arm is a striking SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 90 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 150 mm and secured in place with machine stitching at both the front and back. Importantly, secured on the left cuff is the rare cuff title of the 17th Götz von Berlichingen SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment which is tight to the sleeve and exhibits consistent wear across the title and along the reverse where the sleeve meets the body of the tunic itself. Each breast features two pleated pockets closing with scalloped flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled magnetic metal buttons. A set of horizontally-arranged threaded loops are set over the upper left pocket for the accommodation of a two piece ribbon bar, while two vertically arranged threaded loops just below the same pocket facilitate attachment of a single decoration. The interior is fully encompassed by a field-grey rayon liner which transitions into a pinstripe design through the sleeves. A single interior pocket is located at the upper left breast, unmarked. An additional reinforced slit directly underneath the pocket allows for the optional addition of a dagger hanger which is still fully secure with clip. Dual integral straps emanate from the waistband with a single button allowing it to be secured in place. The tunic measures approximately 40 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 60 cm, and an overall body length of 650 mm. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include minor material fatigue to the exterior wool, wear of the insignia and buttons and minor soiling of interior liner. The tunic is in an overall very fine condition.