Heer Panzergrenadier EM's M44 Combat Tunic

The M1944 pattern tunic was designed to save on manufacturing time, cost and raw materials. To some it was disliked as it was a departure from the traditional 4 pocket tunic, others loved it for its ease and smart appearance. The M44 uniform was the final German uniform produced in WWII and is easily identified by its two pocket and short waist length design.

The tunic is constructed of late war field-grey wool with a hint of brown which indicated the tunic was produced from a mix of german recycled field-grey cloth and captured russian brown wool cloth. (Really late M44 tunics can be found in brown color!). This tunic has 6 dark grey (late war) pebbled, magnetic button front closure, with fold open and folded lapels at neck. Two breast pockets with straight button flaps. General army, grey litzen are machine sewn in place. EM/NCO’s M44 national eagle in grey threads on a triangular green/grey rayon. The national eagle is machine sewn in place, correctly through the lining. Slip-on M44 shoulder straps with toxic green rayon piping for panzergrenadier branch of service. Pinned in place above the left breast pocket is a East Front Medal ribbon bar.

Inside is lined with two different types of grey and dark grey late war cotton. RBnr, size and “M44” are still visable to the inner right lapel. Belt hook straps are still present. There is a couple of stamps “1 inside a circel” inside the tunic. This stamps is most likely a cloth batch marking. Outside tunic is in very good condition, with no damage, mendings or larger stains. Inside shows a couple of stains and smaller holes (see photos). All in all a very well preserved tunic with factory sewn insignias.

Scarce and desirable M44 issue tunic !!