Original Item: Only One Available. Towards the end of the Second World War in late 1944, Germany was looking to to cut down on tailoring and production costs as material shortages continued to mount. The Wehrmacht's answer to this issue was the introduction of the M44 pattern uniform. Similar in appearance to the British Battle Dress or the related US “Ike” jacket, the M44 was unlike any other German pattern uniform, and the first major deviation in uniform design since 1936. The front still featured the button front closure, but the the tunic skirt was shortened to waist length, the number of pockets was reduced to two. The tunic could be worn with an open or closed collar.

Some versions also had additional internal pockets as well as an internal belt, but on later examples these were often omitted. Additionally, the rarely used and complicated internal suspension system used on earlier designs was finally dropped. The color was the new Feldgrau 44, a drab greenish-brown. The standard German insignia would still be worn, such as the breast eagle, collar tabs (litzen), and shoulder straps.

Except for the elite Panzer-Lehr-Division, which field-tested the new uniform in summer 1944 before its approval for general issue, the M44 was usually seen at the front only in the war’s last months and generally on the greenest of troops. Due to rushed production, many were not even fully outfitted with all the correct insignia.

This is a fantastic "salty" service used example of the late war Heer Army Issue M44 tunic, which looks to not have had rank insignia installed during the late war rush. It has a green / gray triangular BeVO machine embroidered breast eagle as the only insignia installed, and we cannot see any signs that other insignia were installed in the past. The interior only has lining around the front closure, and definitely was constructed using the minimum amount of materials possible. The only marking on the interior is a 90 stamped on the interior right rayon closure lining.

Condition shows long use in the field, with loss of the fuzzy "nap" on the fabric in many areas, and there are also torn seams, stitching, and even a large hole under the left collar. There are repairs on other parts of the tunic, and it has that great "service worn" look that is impossible to duplicate. Ready to outfit with some insignia, or display as is!

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 17”
Chest width: 20"
Waist width: 17.5"
Front length: 24"