This piece is not an officially issued Luftwaffe uniform jacket, but rather a private purchase, tailor-made coat, produced during the WWII period for walking-out, off-duty, or semi-formal wear. Based on construction details and cut, it was most likely tailored from an original long military greatcoat, shortened and reshaped by a private tailor.
Such privately altered garments were common among officers and senior NCOs, who frequently commissioned bespoke clothing for leave, travel, or social occasions, using high-quality military cloth and original components.
Construction & Materials
- Made from very heavy wool, weighing over 2 kg
- Fabric quality is noticeably dense and warm, clearly intended for winter use
- Exterior wool shows light discoloration and wear from use, consistent with age and field wear
- Overall structure remains solid and well-preserved
The tailoring differs from standard-issue Luftwaffe regulations, confirming this was not factory-issued, but a custom private garment.
Insignia & Details
- Features an original embroidered Luftwaffe-style breast eagle
- Double-breasted front with period buttons (one replaced)
- Rear belt detail retained from the original greatcoat construction
- Wartime stitching, materials, and finish throughout
- The interior pocket bears an original wartime stamp reading “Berlin 44”, consistent with late-war private tailoring in Berlin.
- The size is estimated to be approximately EU size 52, based on measurements and overall fit.
- The insignia appears to have been applied during the period, consistent with private tailoring practices rather than depot issue.
Interior & Condition
- Original interior lining remains intact
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Only a few small moth holes, mainly limited to the lining
- No major damage, tearing, or structural weakness
- Clean tailoring seams visible, supporting the theory of conversion from a longer coat
Overall condition is very good for a wartime private-purchase garment, especially given the heavy wool and age.
Historical Context
During WWII, regulations allowed officers and certain NCOs to wear privately tailored clothing when off duty. Tailors often reused issued garments—especially long greatcoats—to create shorter, more fashionable jackets suitable for walking-out or travel. These pieces were never standardized, making each example unique.
Because they were personal items rather than official issue, far fewer survive compared to regulation uniforms.
Collector’s Assessment
This coat represents an excellent example of a period private-purchase Luftwaffe-style garment, offering:
- Heavy, high-quality wartime wool
- Clear signs of period tailoring and conversion
- Authentic insignia and materials
- Honest wear without post-war alteration
Ideal for:
- Advanced WWII uniform collectors
- Displays illustrating non-regulation / private tailoring
- Museum or educational reference collections
Important Note
This item is offered strictly as a historical artifact for educational and collecting purposes only. No political ideology is implied or endorsed.
