Germany, Heer. An Infantry Enlisted Personnel Service Tunic, by Bayerisch Uniformlieferungs AG

(Heer Dienstrock für Männer der Infanterie). A well-preserved Heer Infantry Enlisted Personnel service tunic, constructed of field-grey wool. It features a turned-down collar topped by a layer of smooth dark green wool, fully trimmed along the outer edge with white piping. The collar is flanked by tabs constructed of green wool and topped by two machine-embroidered silver-grey insignia, each in turn bisected by white threaded piping, measuring 30 mm (w) x 70 mm (l). The shoulders are flanked by straps constructed of dark green wool and trimmed with white piping. Each measuring 50 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the straps are secured in place with machine stitching at the outer edge and with pebbled, silvered buttons on the inner edge. Stitched onto the upper left shoulder is an insignia consisting of a dark green wool triangular backer bearing two silver aluminum wire chevrons, measuring 75 mm (w) x 70 mm (h) and indicating a rank of Obergefreiter. The breast flaps feature four pockets, all closing with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled, silvered buttons. Stitched onto the tunic just above the upper right breast pocket is an insignia consisting of a grey cotton/rayon blended backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 110 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. The tunic closes with eight pebbled, silvered buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The exterior features are completed with two pebbled, silvered belt hooks which are set into the waistband at the back. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece brown rayon liner which transitions into a pinstripe design through the arms. A single pocket is set into the upper left breast, above which is stamped a maker’s mark of “BULAG”, indicating manufacturer by Bayerische Uniformlieferungs AG. Two grey canvas straps emanate from the armpits, each perforated with nine reinforced eyelets for the addition of an optional belt hanger. The tunic measures approximately 43 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 62 cm, and an overall body length of 73 cm. Minor, sporadic material fatigue is evident to the exterior wool, with additional fatigue visible to the interior liner which has resulted in the fraying of some of the stitching. This superb early example remains in a better than very fine condition.