Original Pre World War Two German Kriegsmarine SignalObergefreiter Parade Tunic.
German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that had been in use since the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848. While uniforms and headgear did evolve over time, many items used during the Third Reich would still have been recognizable to Imperial sailors. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear, and as a result, they were allocated a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Tailored in a waist length and constructed in high quality navy blue doeskin wool. Designed in a Bolero simulated double breasted style with upswept lapels and a small lay down collar, the jacket has a central front opening with nine stitched button eyelets to each side. Included in one of the eyelets is an originally applied Iron Cross Second Class ribbon. It was designed to remain open with a retaining, shackle chain, with dual buttons, worn through the top button eyelets. The shackle chained is no longer present but all original closure buttons are included. The straight cut, non-adjustable, sleeves have "Brandenburg" style cuffs with dual-ply, horizontal, simulated French cuffs and a small, vertical panel to the forward edge with five, vertically aligned, ornamental buttons simulating an open slash. There are no shoulder straps/boards or collar tabs as per regulations. The right breast features a high quality Eagle and Swastika, hand embroidered in a golden thread. The buttons are all the fire gilt, stamped alloy type with an embossed fouled anchor on a horizontally ribbed field with simulated twisted rope outer border and all appear to have their original stitching. The SignalObergefreiter is a Signals man equivalent to the U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class. The interior of the jacket is fully lined and dated 1938 and named “K Schulz” making for a great research project opportunity!
