Original German WWII Heer Army Panzer Enlisted HBT Drilljacke Tunic with Early Pattern Insignia – dated 1941 Original Items

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a lovely “salty” service used condition 1941 dated German WWII Heer Army Panzer Enlisted Herring Bone Twill constructed Drilljacke or Drillichjacke (Drill Work Jacket), with a fantastic look.

During the reorganization of the army in April 1933, a new grey drill uniform or “Drillichanzug” – a direct descendent of the Reichheer’s “Moleskinanzu”– was released. The new outfit was composed of off-white, at times greyish linen tunic (Drillichjacke) and trousers (Drillichose) with just the rank insignias on it. It was used by all recruits in quarters and was used exclusively as the working and campaign uniform by the troops. The tunic was furnished with five buttons, had a closed collar and two lower, no flap, bag pockets without buttons. It was hung by means of the inside waist strap. Originally, the design was meant to go over the standard service uniform, and protect it from getting dirty, but that concept was quickly abandoned.

Because of the conditions on the many fronts and the fact that conflicts quickly flared up across much of the Greater Germany landmass, the gray color of this fatigue uniform didn’t really match the new camouflage concepts, especially because when in service it would fade to an off white color. By an order of February 12th, 1940 orders were issued stating that these drill uniforms had to be manufactured in green. This new version was very popular at the front during the summer months as a cooler alternative to the combat jacket and also as an overall.

At this time, the drill uniform began to be used showing the same insignia and emblems as that used with the combat jacket, in open contravention of regulations. It was a completely practical uniform that moved the Army Ministry to demand a new, specific, summer tunic in early 1942 for combat and duty job fashioned after the ‘Feldbluse’.

Apparently, the advent of the new 1944 uniform affected the ‘Drillich’ although there is no record that an eventual summer version of this late uniform was ever developed.

Here we have one of those early green colored HBT Drilljacke Tunic’s that was outfitted with all of the insignia usually seen on the field uniform. The upper right chest features a BeVo machine embroidered Wehrmachtadler Eagle, which is the correct shape and gray on green color introduced in 1940. Most interestingly however, the tunic is fitted with collar litzen, which are actually the Pre-1938 pattern, which still have stripes which show a Waffenfarbe corps color. The stripes are rosa (Rose-pink) in color which was the color during WWII for the Panzers (Armored Troops) and Panzerjäger (Tank Destroyers).

Additionally, the Drilljacke is fitted with Enlisted Schulterklappen (shoulder straps), which have the same rose-pink piping, and look to be early war construction. As the drill uniform did not have any loops or buttons for the straps, the ends were sewn directly to the shoulder/sleeve seam, and buttons were installed on the shoulders.

This lovely salty condition Drilljacke features a six button front closure, with pebbled aluminum buttons that all appear to be maker marked. These originally were secured by circlips under a flap inside the right side, but it looks like over the years the slots for those wore out, so the buttons were all sewn directly to the fabric. On the top of the flap is also the original ink stamped size information, which is not entirely clear but definitely has E. 41 at the bottom, for 1941 issue at the Erfurt depot.

The Drilljacke shows wear but is overall solid, with no major tears or condition issues. It has a fantastic “been there” look that makes it perfect for any type of WWII display.

Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9″
Shoulder to sleeve: 23”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 18″
Waist width: 18.5″
Hip width: 22″
Front length: 29.5″