Original Item: Only One Available. This is an nice war used example of a WW2 German Army Kriegsmarine Küstenartillerie (Coastal Artillery) Mannschaften (Enlisted Seaman’s) tunic. The Fieldgray uniforms of the Kriegsmarine were almost identical to those used by the Wehrmacht Heer, except for the insignia used. The tunic itself is made of a medium weight field gray/green wool, and definitely shows wear from use and service, with staining, fraying, and the standard deterioration from being worn.
The front closes with five standard aluminum pebbled buttons, which are marked on the back. The attractive machine embroidered gold Naval breast eagle stitched to the chest in a fashion typical of wartime German tailor work. The collar braid insignia (litzen) were sewn on by hand, and in this case look to be for an enlisted officer candidate. Without the shoulder boards we unfortunately cannot be sure about the rank.
The inside of this Navy tunic is fully lined with cotton, as is typical, as is the underside of the collar. The interior is maker marked by J. Kunkel & Cie. of WIESBADEN on the right inside lining, over the and the faded size markings. On the back interior under the collar it is marked B.A.K. with a 31. 12 .39. date. There is also what looks to be the name “Zieller” stamped on the left side lining right by the buttons. Definitely loads of history and research potential in this tunic!
Condition, as stated before, is definitely worn, and areas on the edges have fraying and wear through. The right cuff has been permanently sewn together, and the left cuff is missing the hidden button. The ends of both sleeves show wear through. Much of the fuzzy “nap” of the uniform has been worn away, except in protected areas such as inside the cuffs, under the pocket flaps, etc.
Overall a great service used Coastal Artillery Kriegsmarine Uniform tunic, ready to be outfitted with rank insignia and displayed!
Approximate Measurements:
Collar to Shoulder: 10″
Shoulder to Sleeve: 23.5″
Shoulder to Shoulder: 17.5″
Chest width: 19″
Waist width: 18″
Hip Width: 20.5″
Front length: 29″