Original World War Two German Infantry (Heer) M36 Feldbluse (Field Jacket) to a highly decorated Stabsfeldwebel within a Maschinengewehr Bataillon.
Excellent all original jacket constructed from the traditional, early Feldgrau (field gray) wool and boasts the original pre 1940 bottle-neck green collar, later in the war the green collar was a mark of distinction indicating the soldier had been there since the initial Anschluss. The breast eagle insignia and the NCO rank Tresse, are both skillfully hand-sewn onto the tunic. The breast eagle is a 1937 pattern, showcasing a white Army eagle against a dark green backing. The collar Litzen are the first pattern type from 1938, and are directly applied to the collar. The original early, bright aluminum NCO Tresse adds a touch of distinction to the overall design. Along the front opening hem and the second button-hole is an hand sewn Eastern Front combat award ribbon. The jacket also includes two original Maschinengewehr Bataillon (MG Battalion) Stabsfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) shoulder boards in bottleneck green perfectly matching the collar which are ciphered “M” indicating “Maschinengewehrn” and surrounded by three rank pips indicating Stabsfeldwebel. On the wearers left side feature award loops for a ribbon / medal bar and three sets of awards loops over the breast pocket for (presumably) an Iron Cross First Class, Wound Badge, and a Combat Infantry Award. The tunic shows prominent signs (staining) and actual wear or use but still remains in very good condition. The tunic is a Large size making better for display on a mannequin!
The Stabsfeldwebel rank was introduced in 1938 by the German Army as the highest NCO rank, and was equivalent to the Kriegsmarine's Stabsoberfeldwebel grades (Stabsoberbootsmann, Stabsobersteuermannand Stabsobersteuwermann). The rank was only named Stabsfeldwebel within the infantry, as other services had other traditions and names. In the cavalry and artillery the rank was called Stabswachtmeister, and in the Waffen-SS it was called SS-Sturmscharführer. The rank was also used in the GDR Land Forces of the National People's Army and was equivalent to Stabsobermeister in the Volksmarine.
