German Gray Leather Officer Greatcoat luftwaffe coat 42/44 Lederbekleidune

 Designer

GUSTL Gnadig U. Strecker Leder Bekleidune

 Size

Estimated to be a 42 or 44 USA mens size. Worn by a man that wears a 44 , but not over a complete uniform. Use measurements to determine fit .

  Approximate

 Measurements

Style

Just beautiful vintage greatcoat. Very heavy with wool plaid lining. DOuble breasted with hook to closure from inside. Missing the belt. Dark gray color. Eppaulettes . Exact year is unknown . could be a SS coat from the 1950's or Officer coat as old as WWII era.  Has pinhole marks at each cuff.

The greatcoat was an essential uniform item worn by all ranks, with minor variations, and followed the basic design of the Imperial German army’s greatcoat. During WWII the German army utilized at least thirteen different styles of greatcoats with numerous variations and intended purposes.

Enlisted men were provided their uniforms and equipment by the SS-Bekleidungswerke (SS-BW), which were manufactured by the inmates at the Concentration Camps, i.e. Dachau and Ravensbruck, as well as contracted clothing manufacturers. Officers however, were given an allotment of money in which to buy their uniforms. If an officer was posted to a staff, then he might consider buying a tailor-made uniform of higher quality, otherwise he could go to a group of tailors without a shop and buy quality uniforms but cheaper than a regular tailor with a shop. Many officers engaged in combat in the field often acquired enlisted uniforms and would have tailors modify them, especially with officer-quality insignia and the dark-green wool collar - very popular among officers and sometimes professional NCOs. Many officers preferred leaving the enlisted sleeve eagles, as they were already on the sleeve and silver bullion ones cost more and would only get damaged and dirty in field operations. They bought these leather overcoats too. These were principally civilian leather overcoats with the addition of loops and buttons to accommodate the addition of shoulder boards. These were usually the only addition to these coats. Coats without the loops and buttons are a civilian garment.

Condition

Excellent, but well worn. Lining has some repairs and some minor damage. The outside has one patch proffesionally done in black leather or maybe that serves another purpse. Outer leather shows wear scuffs and marks, Excellent wearable condition. Pinhole marks at each cuff.