Original Item: Only One Available. This very nice German Luftwaffe Mannschaften (Enlisted Man’s) Two Pocket Fliegerbluse (Flyer’s Blouse) Service Tunic is in lovely service used condition. This great piece is produced in blue grey wool and shows some fading from age and light exposure. It has a “hidden” button main closure, which looks to originally have had 4 dark blue bakelite buttons, however one is missing, and one has been replaced with a brown one. There is a smaller fifth button for if the wearer wanted to close up the front of the collar. The two angled hip pockets have forward edge curved flaps, secured with blue pebbled aluminum buttons. It has a white thread embroidered Luftwaffe Eagle sewn on the top of the right breast pocket, sewn on with white thread.
The interior of the tunic is lined partially with blue gray cotton, with the usual pockets on either side, as well as retaining straps for the belt hooks. The left pocket still has the original stamping with the maker and size information:
E. Reitz
39 42
90
60 59
The collar piping and attached Kragenpatten (Collar Flaps) are in Tiefrot (Deep Red), the correct Waffenfarbe (Corps Color) for Luftwaffe Flak Anti-aircraft troops and other Artillery. The button attached Schulterklappen (Shoulder Straps or Epaulettes) have the same color piping, correct simple style for an enlisted man. There are two “gull wing” insignia on the Collar Flaps, indicating the artillery enlisted rank of Kanonier (Gunner), equivalent to a Gefreiter (Airman).
Overall condition is very good, showing light wear from service, with a bit of discoloration due to age and exposure. There is no major moth damage or other issues, though there is some tearing to the cotton lining on the right side.
The included matching breeches are made from matching fabric, and are show top quality bespoke construction. They have a button fly closure which has reinforcement straps on the interior and exterior. There are two diagonal button closed pockets on the hips. The bottoms of the legs have zipper closures, so that the feet could fit through easier before the bottoms would be zipped up and tall boots worn. Condition is very good, with just a few small moth nips here and there.
A great chance to pick up an very nice condition Luftwaffe Flak Artillery Kanonier’s tunic with matching breeches. This would display great as is, or could be dressed up with some medals and other insignia.
Approx. Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9″
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 19.5”
Chest width: 17.5”
Waist width: 17″
Hip width: 20”
Front length: 26″
Pants
Waist16:”
Inseam: 24
The Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. 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 tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.