Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a lovely service used condition German WWII Heer Army 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, a color often called "Reed 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 "reed green" colored HBT Drilljacke Tunics, which does not appear to have ever been outfitted with any type of insignia. We can see an area on the left sleeve where some type of eagle was attached post war, now removed. Close inspection of the shoulders, collar, and right chest do not show any evidence of insignia ever having been stitched on. As these earlier tunics did not have any provision for shoulder insignia, usually they would have been sewn on directly, which would have definitely left evidence.

This lovely lightly used condition Drilljacke features a five button front closure, with pebbled buttons that all appear to be maker marked, though they do not match. These are secured by split rings under a flap inside the right side, though it looks like the rings are not WWII period. The top of the flap still has VERY faint size markings printed over an F 41 marking, for 1941 issue at the Frankfurt clothing depot. There are also some very faint markings at the bottom inside left, which we cannot make out.

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.

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 14.5"
Chest width: 16.5”
Waist: 17"
Hip: 21"
Front length: 27"