~ WW2 German Heer Panzer Leutnant’s Tailor Made Wrapper ~
This remarkable wrapper is crafted from black wool and exhibits a unique, custom design. It appears to have been fashioned from a restructured tunic dating back to the period, with the addition of a zipper for front closure—a feature that has been noted in several similar garments. Notably, the “Herbert Elsner” wrapper also incorporated a zipper for its front fastening, where the original lapels were removed and replaced with a zipper.
Historical photographs reveal that Heer panzer soldiers frequently donned wrappers with zipper closures, further emphasizing the practicality and style of this design. The tunic is adorned with panzer collar tabs, which feature metal skulls that are meticulously machine-sewn onto the collar. Additionally, the shoulders are embellished with shoulder boards made from dull Russian braid, set against a pink wool backing. On the left chest, a Heer panzer officer’s breast eagle, crafted from silver bullion threads and mounted on black backing, is elegantly hand-sewn. The garment also includes sewn loops for three awards, with a three-place ribbon bar positioned above the pocket flap-less left chest pocket, showcasing the wearer’s commendations. Internally, the wrapper is fully lined with a grey and black rayon fabric, while the sleeves are also lined with rayon for added comfort. A tailor label is machine-sewn to the inside neck, indicating its bespoke nature. The overall condition of the wrapper is good, showing only minor signs of age and gentle use, with no visible holes, rips, or repairs. This piece not only reflects the craftsmanship of its time but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of military attire.)
This piece initially came in trade from Adrian Moldovan who is a pretty well known dealer based in Austria/Hungary. The tunic was bought directly from the veterans family. This very interesting, tailor made (or tailor adjusted) wrapper for a panzer leutnant is in our opinion manufactured in Germany during World War II. The set was acquired by the Militaty Antiques of Stockholm and sold to its current owner many years ago.
Sally antiques is selling this on their behalf