Waffen-SS Infantry Sturmmann'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.

Short waist length, field-grey captured Italian wool construction tunic with six button front closure and lay down collar. Tunic has two non-pleated breast patch pockets with straight button down flaps, and a 12cm tall waistband. Sleeves have straight cut non-adjustable cuffs. Upper left sleeve has a machine embroidered SS eagle in silver/grey threads on a cut-out black wool base which is machine stitched to sleeve in the typical zig-zag fashion. Below the eagle is a Sturmmann rank tress chevron in bright silver bullion on black cloth backing. The chevron is neatly hand sewn in place. To the right collar is a W-SS runic collar tab. SS runes machine sewn in silver/grey threads. Rank tab with a single rank stripe. Both tabs are constructed of the same, rare and desirable black velvet type of cloth. Runic and rank tab are both machine sewn in place to the collar. Slip on shoulder straps of black wool with white rayon waffenfarbe piping. To the left breast pocket is loops sewn for one award.

Inside with two different types of grey HBT rayon reinforcement panels to reverse of pocket openings, around armpits and down each side of front closure. Inside the right lapel is very faint and impossible to read size markings stamped in place in black ink. Tunic has all over, consistent, light nap wear and minor stains. Tunic shows light signs of real use and age. No holes, rips, mendings or larger stains.

Probably the best SS M44 tunic on the marker at the moment!!