This tunic is the holy grail of the Second World War Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger uniforms.
This experimental MG-gunner tunic has been used in limited numbers by the German paratroopers.
These experimental tunics were intended to protect the MG-ammunition belts (50 rounds each side) from dust and sand.
The last picture of a soldier wearing one was taken during the Gran Sasso raid (or Operation Eiche) meant to rescue of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The raid was conducted by German paratroopers led by Major Otto-Harald Mors and Waffen-SS commandos in September 1943.
Our example bears the ‘Kreta’ armband and it has been liberated by a British soldier who took part in the Greek campaign. We have it from his son.
Among the pictures we’ve uploaded some showing a German paratrooper wearing a similar tunic in the Greek campaign.
An inner pocket of the tunic is stamped with its size “45 ’40 1 90 and 74 68.
All buttons are original.
~ Dimensions ~
The tunic is 30.5 inches (77.5 cm) long from the collar to the lower end.
From shoulder to shoulder the width is 18.5 inches (47 cm).
From armpit to armpit it measures 19 inches (48.5 cm).
The length of the sleeve is 25.2 inches (64 cm).
The waist is 20 inches (51 cm).
The tunic weighs 940 grams.
~ Condition ~
Apart from some sweat stains and the normal usage wear the tunic remains in excellent condition, as seen in the pictures.
It remains complete with all its buttons and fittings.
ref. GS8450CF3
