Waffen-SS M44 Field Blouse
Waffen-SS M44 Field Blouse (Feldbluse M44). This is a late war wool construction M43 field blouse tailored to an M44 field blouse. The italian wool blend field blouse is showing the typical SS-construction, the field blouse has been shortened, the bottom pockets have been removed and a M44 style bottom edge has been constructed of the same wool. Traces of usage indicate that the tunic has been period modified and worn as such for a period of time. Shoulder-board loops and buttons are present. The field blouse is having grey coloured rayon lining material. The right, front-closure panel lining is marked with size-stamps (chest-size 90cms) and typical SS manufacturer code '43'. Ther is an ink-marking from a former museum collection in Germany stamped inside the tunic. The field blouse is complete with its original factory sewn sleeve-eagle as found a few years ago. The field blouse was found without other insignia, the original stitching of the original collar-tabs is still present under the collar. A collector added a pair of early SS-VT style collar tabs with a few stitches and applied a nicely worn BeVo-woven 'Horst-Wessel' cufftitle as intended for a member within the '18. SS Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division Horst Wessel'. The division was formed in December 1943 and surrendered to the Soviets in May 1945. The division has served in the Balkans throughout its existence, taking part in actions against the partisans and against the Soviets. The field blouse is showing normal traces of usage and some minor staining and some damages, see photos. Original Waffen-SS field blouses are almost impossible to find nowadays and hardly ever offered for sale. Due to the partly added/replaced insignia and worn condition I can offer this stunning original actually combat worn SS M44 style field blouse for a attractive price, this will for sure make a great SS combat display!