Original German WWII Luftwaffe EM/NCO Wool Greatcoat by A.T.B. – dated 1942 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely WWII manufactured Luftwaffe greatcoat for a Luftwaffe Enlisted Man or Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). It is offered in very good condition and constructed of Luftwaffe fliegerblau (flyer’s blue) blue grey wool with a lightweight canvas lining in the same color. It features two flap covered waist pockets and the classic double-breasted front closure, with 5 buttons on each side. All of the buttons are non-magnetic, and look to be made possibly from zinc alloy. They are painted Luftwaffe blue, and all look to be maker marked on the back.

The left breast interior pocket is nicely ink stamped with the maker and date information:

A.T.B.
45
1942

There are loops and buttons on the shoulders for rank insignia, however none are installed. The jacket shows light wear consistent with service, though it looks like it probably saw more service after the war than during. There is a bit of wear to the fabric, as well as some pulling of the seam around the neck.

A very nice Luftwaffe Great Coat from the mid-war period, ready to fit with some insignia and display!

Approximate Measurements:

Following the invasion of the Soviet Union the Greatcoat was found to be insufficient for the Russian winter and they were replaced by more effective clothing.

Overcoats in various forms have been used by militaries since at least the late 18th century, and were especially associated with winter campaigns, such as Napoleon’s Russian campaign. The full-length overcoat was once again popularized by the use during World War I of the trench coat.

Stereotypically, overcoats used by the army tended to be single-breasted, while navies often used double-breasted overcoats. Overcoats continued to be used as battle dress until the mid-1940s and 1950s, when they were deemed impractical. However, in colder countries, such as the former Soviet Union, they continue to be issued and used. When more efficient clothing and synthetic fibers became readily available, the overcoat began to be phased out even there.