Germany, SS. An Waffen-SS Gebirgsjäger M42 Sahariana Tropical Field Blouse, by Alois Helb

(Waffen-SS Tropen Feldbluse für Gebirgsjäger). A very well-preserved Waffen-SS Gebirgsjäger Sahariana-style tropical field blouse, constructed of a khaki-tan cotton blend. It features a classic overlaid shoulder yoke extending across the upper shoulder and breast flaps, with a scalloped front and integrated loops for the accommodation of straps on top of each shoulder. Emanating from the yoke is a turned-down collar, transitioning into double breast lapels. The shoulders are flanked by straps constructed of smooth black wool with field-grey wool underlays, in turn trimmed with meadow-green piping. Each measuring 46 mm (w) x 115 mm (l), they are secured in place with integral straps on the reverse which fit through loops on the blouse’s outer edges, and with a pebbled zink button on the inner edge. Stitched onto the upper right arm is an insignia consisting of a black wool backer bearing a machine-embroidered multi-coloured edelweiss, measuring 60 mm (w) x 75 mm (h). Stitched onto the upper left arm is an additional insignia consisting of a black rayon backer bearing a light brown, machine-embroidered, SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 90 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). The cuff of each sleeve features a vertical slit closing with two grey bakelite buttons meeting a reinforced hidden buttonhole for an adjustable fit. Each breast features a pleated pocket closing with a flap set into the yoke which meeting a pebbled button. The blouse closes with four buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. All buttons are stamped on the bake with the maker mark of Josef Feix & Söhne, Lüdenscheid, with a manufacturer date of “1941”. The interior is stamped on the right breast flap with a maker’s mark of “ALOIS HELB” for the documented wartime SS clothing contractor. Directly below the maker’s mark are partially-legible size dimensions, similarly stamped in black ink. The blouse measures approximately 430 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 565 mm, and an overall body length of 525 mm. Minor issues consistent with age and field use are evident, including minor material fatigue to the exterior material, which includes the loss of a button on the waistband formerly meeting a strap extending from the left flap, in addition to minor fraying of the cuffs and slight soiling. The blouse is in an overall near extremely fine condition.