This is a complete set of “Field and Service” articles of uniform that belonged to a decorated “leutnant” (a low ranking lieutenant) of the German army.
Opportunities for collectors to get such a well preserved and complete assemblage of historic artefacts are increasingly rare.
The items include the lieutenant’s peaked cap, his jacket, trousers and claw belt, plus a period suitcase for display.
~ Cap ~
The field-grey (moss green) officer’s cap has the white piping of infantry command, a hand embroidered, oak-leaf wreath in silver threads and a national two-colour cockade.
The chin cord is twisted, silver/aluminium cord which is held to the cap by two silver washed alloy buttons.
Inside, the original leather headband is held in place with a small silken bow and beneath (as good collectors know to check) the loose stitching is present – a good indicator that this is a genuine piece.
The original, “Erel” maker’s label is missing though evidence of its distinctive ‘parachute-shape’ is revealed by the stitching, further proof that this is a Robert Lubstein original.
~ Jacket ~
The jacket (or tunic) is very well tailored, its design incorporates subtly padded shoulders, deep turn-back cuffs and 4 large exterior pockets (buttoned).
It bears the lapels, piping and collar insignia of an infantry officer, plus a medal ribbon bar consisting of the Iron Cross 2nd Class & Ostfront (Eastern Front).
The left sleeve is also adorned with a sleeve shield award “DEMJANSK 1942” which ties in with the career the officer had on the Eastern Front, apparently surviving the Russian’s Sinyavino Offensive.
The shield is decorated with an eagle, swastika, pillboxes, crossed swords and supply plane. It was awarded to the troops who successfully defended a strategic point whilst encircled by Russian troops, thanks to an “air-bridge” that flew in ammunition, rations and medication.
As well as these decorations, further details reveal some insight into the wearer:
It was customary for a proud German officer to purchase his own uniform and, in line with what was often the case, this jacket has had a couple of bespoke adjustments.
As well as a Berlin tailor’s label, there are two signs of personalisation, not found in all uniforms, namely a buttoned waist support, and an interior pocket for the officer’s watch.
~ Trousers, belt and case ~
The Trousers are breeches that would have been worn with high boots.
They have attachments for braces, characteristic wide and roomy thighs, laces for the lower leg and buttoned boot lining of the same silken material used in the lining of the jacket.
The belt is a leather claw belt with two prongs, also standard officer equipment.
The buckle has a pebbled pattern effect that matches the buttons of the jacket and the chin cord pins of the cap.
The case, whilst light, is well made, and of period, but appears to have been enhanced with a German eagle and swastika, perhaps for theatrical purposes.
Please note we are not asserting this was the original case of issue, we have simply included it as a smart display container for this remarkably well preserved set of genuine articles.
~ Dimensions ~
The cap has an interior diameter of 24 inches (61cm).
The length of the Jacket is 30 inches (76 cm) long at the rear.
Outstretched, the distance between the armpits is 23 inches (58.5 cm).
From shoulder tip to shoulder tip it measures 21 inches (53 cm).
The outside sleeve is 27 inches (69 cm).
The waist (flattened) measures 21 inches (53 cm) across.
The diameter of the collar is 18 inches (45.5 cm).
The trousers are 44 inches (112 cm) long at the outer seam.
The trousers waist is 44 inches (112 cm).
The inner leg measurement is 33 inches (84 cm).
The belt is 52 inches (132 cm) long, with 37 inches (94 cm) between the buckle and the first holes.
The display case is 22 inches long (56 cm), 14 inches (35.5 cm) wide and 9.5 inches (24 cm) deep.
Empty it weighs 2.7 Kg.
When packed with the uniform it weighs 5.33 Kg total.
~ Condition ~
The uniform is in an overall good condition for its age with minimal wear.
As is to be expected with the usage this uniform underwent, the field-grey wool of the entire uniform is a little dirty in places (very light staining) but has very few scuffs, strained or thin fibres. There are no rips or tears.
Being exposed and also difficult to clean, the lapels, collar insignia and medal ribbons are all slightly worn or sweat-stained but not to a level that even remotely detracts from the impact of the garment.
The buttons have tarnished slightly but are all in place, each has the maker’s mark on the reverse side (pictured).
Inside the lining shows only a small amount of staining around the collar and label and is in a remarkably good condition otherwise, again displaying the high quality of the tailoring.
ref. GS834D2AE / ASB000X23LP2R1E
