German Afrikakorps other ranks tropical field blouse

Afrikakorps other ranks tropical tunic, first model. The open collared tunic has the typical features of the first model - four pleated patch pockets with scalloped flaps; button and loop epaulette fittings; machine woven collar tabs of blue-grey with yellow-brown centre stripes; five plain pebble finish metal buttons (each stamped on the reverse "E & CO"), fixed to the tunic with a metal "s"-shaped clip (the buttons were usually painted olive green, but are unpainted on this example); machine woven German eagle attached so that the swastika sits over the top line of the right breast pocket; three reinforced eyelets either side through which is passed the metal belt hook; two pressed paper buttons sewn to each sleeve cuff. Internally, the tunic features the standard reinforcing panels around the arms, with the six-eyelet belt hook tab attached to each side; and a series of size numbers stamped in purple ink on the inner right front behind the second and third buttons. They are: 45 (neck to waist); 00 (neck); 70 (full back); 61 (arm); B 41 (issuing depot and year of issue). Under the flap behind the fourth button is the manufacturer's stamp in purple ink: "Georg Muller & Co / Breslau". Just below this is sewn the first aid bag with its pressed paper button present. The grass green piping on the epaulette denotes either a motorcycle or armoured infantry regiment. An Australian "Sweetacres" chewing gum wrapper (possibly contemporary) was discovered in the proper left front pocket.

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