Original Item: Only One Available. A German Army (Heer) M40 NCO Tunic dated 1941. The Model 1940 Tunic was a simplification of the earlier M-1936 Tunic. The Main difference is that the “Bottle Green” Collar of the M-36 was eliminated. Future uniforms retained the pleated pockets, internal suspenders, and all other features of the earlier M-36. The Model 1940 Tunic was used throughout WWII from the Invasion of France, all the way through to the capitulation of the Third Reich in 1945.
 
The base of the tunic is constructed of a feldgrau wool. Four pleated pockets adorn the front, with each pocket flap being the scalloped cut and fastened with painted pebbled aluminum dish buttons. The standard Bevo M-1937 (Bottle Green Backed) Enlisted collar litzen are machine sewn in place, and appear to be original to the tunic. The collar features a strip of silvered Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) tresse, indicating the wearer of this tunic was an NCO.
 
The slip-on style shoulder boards are piped in white, denoting Infantry. The edges of the boards are trimmed with Luftwaffe-style NCO Tresse. Each board has a zinc rank pip, and a zinc number “2” affixed on each board. We are uncertain if the boards themselves are original, or very good facsimiles. We are certain the Luft Tresse, rank pips,and unit numbers, however, are original.
 
The embroidered Heer breast eagle is in good condition, and is of the earlier M-36 style (Eagle on Bottle Green Field). The pocket and main closure pebbled dish buttons are green painted aluminum, and are in good condition with a few scattered marks from use.
         
The interior of the tunic is lined cotton which is in overall good used condition showing only a few areas of sweat staining.. The interior of the tunic is ink stamped above the  medical pouch pocket with the tunics sizing, depot code, and year (41). This is a very nice representative of the classic German Heer M40 NCO Tunic which shows signs of true combat use.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 6.5”
Shoulder to sleeve cuff: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 18”
Chest width: 24””
Waist width: 21.5”
 
The Deutsche Heer, the Army of the German Military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, German Army troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers wore wool trousers and a tunic with four external pockets, known as a Feldbluse (field blouse). Before the war, soldiers also were issued a walking-out tunic, with flashy insignia, called the Waffenrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the stylish black wool “wraps” worn by crews of armored fighting vehicles, to the drab HBT work uniforms. There were tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage smocks for combat troops. For troops operating in winter climates, there were long wool overcoats, fur clothing articles, and padded jacket and trousers sets. In 1944, a new uniform was introduced, featuring a short jacket with only two external pockets.