Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional example of a WWII German Luftwaffe private purchased Officers’ Evening Gala Dress Uniform, which includes the Tunic, Vest, and Jodhpur pants. The uniform shows minor traces of wear and is nearly complete.
The Luftwaffe Evening Gala Tunic is in excellent condition. The Gala Tunic is made of a fine quality officer grade blue tricot. A fine hand embroidered Luftwaffe Bullion Breast Eagle is neatly, and originally, hand sewn to the upper breast area of the tunic. A single set of award loops, originally sewn to the tunic, are affixed to the left breast area, with one loop torn with a high quality reproduction pilots badge suspended from the lower loop. The silver aluminum pebbled buttons are in near mint condition, and all appear to be originally attached to the tunic. The Luftwaffe Evening Gala Tunic has two sew-in style Flight/Flieger Shoulder Boards without rank pips. A silver wire Aiguillette in excellent condition is still originally attached to the tunic. A double twist aluminum wire braid runs the perimeter of the tunics collar. The original waist closure chain remains intact, and functional. There is a high end reproduction Luftwaffe Pilot’s Badge on the left side to complete the look.
The interior of the uniform is lined with a fine blue artificial silk lining which shows minimal wear and retains its high sheen. The sleeves of the tunic are also lined in a fine white artificial silk. A tailor label is hand sewn to the neck area of the tunic and reads “Wilhelm Holters” of Berlin. A tailor’s name tag is also sewn inside of the interior pocket with hand written information on the original owner, and the date. The name on the tag is written very finely, but a little hard to read. We think it appears to be K. N. Forstnow. A quick search shows that we could be wrong in the reading and spelling of the name, and were unable to come up with service information, making this an excellent research opportunity!
The single breasted vest and trousers are in similar condition and both are of the same high quality as the tunic.
Truly a wonderful example in a condition that is unlikely to be encountered again. Comes more than ready for research and display!
Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 8”
Shoulder to sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 17”
Waist width: 14”
Hip width: N/A
Front length: 23″
PANTS waist: 37″
PANTS inseam 27″
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.