Luftwaffe Field Division Stabsfeldwebel Panzerjäger M42 Issue Tunic

Luftwaffe Field Division Stabsfeldwebel Panzerjäger M42 Issue Tunic

Luftwaffe Field Divisions were formed in late 1942 to replace the Army’s high losses in men on the Russian front. Most of the 22 divisions formed were sent to Russia where most of them were decimated within the next year of intense fighting. Thus were was disbanded in late 1943 or at the latest by the summer of 1944.

M42 issue tunic made of field-grey (Heer) combat cloth. 6 LW blue/black colored pebbled metal button front closure. The collar is open at the neck with the sixth button hidden behind the fold. Four pleat less front pocket’s with scalloped pocket flaps. To each shoulder is a slip on shoulder strap made of Luftwaffe blue/grey combat cloth. Bright later war celleon rank tress to all edges. Three alloy metal rank pips are pinned in place to each strap. The straps are piped in pink rayon branch color piping. The collar is worn with open neck. To the collar is a metal hook and corresponding catch. Machine sewn in place to each collar is a green wool collar tab with pink rayon piping and four alloy metal eagles pinned in place. Very interesting to find, the collar backing is made of Luftwaffe blue/grey cloth which means this tunic is 100% constructed for a LW field division soldier. The collar has exactly the same type of rank tress machine sewn in place. Above the right breast pocket is a mid-late war produced Luftwaffe EM/NCO national eagle machine sewn in place. To the left shoulder is award loops sewn for two badges. To the third button hole (visably second since the tunic is worn with open neck) is medal ribbons for the Iron Cross 2’class and East Front Medal neatly hand sewn in place. To the left lower sleeve is a heavy motor vehicle driver’s badge on Luftwaffe grey/blue cloth backing  neatly hand sewn in place.

Inside is fully lined with Luftwaffe blue/grey rayon. Five field grey buttons is sewn to the inside collar for provision for a protective inner collar. The right inside lapel is clearly size marked in black ink. Field dressing pocket is maker marked with black ink “U.C.W. KÖLN” And below the maker/depot stamp we find the year “43” for 1943. The tunic is shortened a couple of centimeters it has also been sewn in at the back again just a couple of centimeters to give the owner a smarter look.

The tunic is in very good condition. No rips, tears or mendings. Only minor signs of real use with barely visable dirt to the inside neck area.

We cant underline enough how rare this tunic really is. First one we ever had for sale and most likely the first one you will ever see for sale as well. 100% a future reference book example!!