Enlisted Kriegsmarine Parade Tunic

Product Description: This Enlisted Kriegsmarine Parade Tunic is an outstanding example, with great eye appeal. This pattern of tunic, known to the sailors as the “Affenjacke,” was worn for formal occasions. This one is an enlisted issue version, made of a fine dark blue wool fabric. The front of this tunic is complete with all of its original gilt finish Kriegsmarine fouled anchor buttons, as well as a nice machine embroidered breast eagle which is hand applied as is typical. The button chain front closure is intact and included with the tunic. The wearer’s left sleeve is adorned with rank and rate patches indicating this tunic was worn by a “Matrosengefreite Obergefreiter” (Seaman 1st class) with the job of “Torpedohilfslehrer” (Assistant Torpedo Instructor). These patches are neatly hand applied and all appear to be original to the tunic. The wool shows only a couple of small moth nips which do not detract when the tunic is displayed. Inside, this Enlisted Kriegsmarine Parade Tunic is well marked, with factory applied size stamps as well as a typical Kriegsmarine depot stamp with 1938 date. The tunic is also named with a nice machine woven tag, with the name “Fröhlich” and a Kriegsmarine service number; this same service number is also embroidered directly into the tunic lining. This tunic is exceptionally clean, with only very light traces of wear and use. The overall condition is excellent.

Historical Description: About 1.5 million men served in the German War Navy (Kriegsmarine) between 1939 and 1945. These men were equipped with a wide range of uniform garments for their often extremely challenging duties. There were standard service uniforms, dress uniforms, and a large variety of work clothing, from simple linen HBT garments worn by dock workers to leather jackets and trousers for duty on board seagoing vessels. Specialized coats and headgear were devised to keep sailors going in marine environments that were often cold and wet. There were tropical uniforms as well, for sailors serving in more southern latitudes. Many of these uniforms were adorned with insignia that indicated a sailor’s rank as well as his specialty or position. Officers typically procured their own uniforms, at their expense. Soldiers serving in Coastal Artillery units of the Kriegsmarine wore field gray uniforms, of wool or HBT, with distinctive Kriegsmarine insignia and buttons. Collectors today seek out and prize WWII German Kriegsmarine uniforms for their historic importance.

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