{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-1944-dated-em-nco-m44-gray-wool-greatcoat-with-hood-rbnr-marked","title":"Original German WWII 1944 Dated EM\/NCO M44 Gray Wool Greatcoat with Hood - RBNr. Marked","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a late war German WWII EM\/NCO M44 great coat or overcoat, constructed with an outer shell of heavy charcoal gray wool, which is somewhat roughly woven. These were preferred during the cold months, and have an unmistakable silhouette. Unlike the earlier M36 type, these were intended for use in the field, and lack the soft wool lay down collars of the earlier version. These were fitted with snaps on the back of the collar for the attachment of a hood, which in this case is actually included! We have not been able to find out much on these, and most seem to be intended for Heer Army use, but this example may have been intended for the Luftwaffe Air Force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great coat matches very well with the M44 pattern, with a lay down collar and long cuffs at the end of the sleeves. The front features the correct 12 button front closure, featuring 6 buttons on each side, which are sewn directly to the fabric of the coat. These are all magnetic, and have dark blue paint on top, as used by the Luftwaffe. They look to be marked on the back, but due to oxidation we cannot read the markings. There is also a strap for fastening the collar in the \"up\" position, which would be necessary if the hood was being used. There are diagonal slash pockets on either side at the waist, which have top flaps that can be worn both in and out of the pockets. The rear bottom of the coat has the usual button closure, which would be used depending on the situation. There are slots in the sides of the coat around the waist, most likely for the attachment of a waist belt or field gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior of the greatcoat is lined on the top with lovely blue gray rayon, which leads us to believe that this greatcoat was intended for Luftwaffe Air Force use, as this was the usual color they used for lining their tunics. The coat is in very good service used condition, showing wear commensurate with light to moderate service. There is horizontal slash pocket on the inner left chest, and over this is the original RBNr., size, and date information stamped onto the lining:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e[RB]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNr. 0\/0250\/2501\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e44      53\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e104\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e127      57\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e44\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no shoulder insignia on this greatcoat, but it does have fabric loops and buttons on each shoulder so that they could be attached. Condition is very good considering the age, with the colors retained very well, and no major damage, just the usual light staining and wear from service. There is some light mothing in areas, but nothing major. The buttons are all intact, and the drawstring on the hood is still fully functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely service used example of a genuine German WWII M44 wool greatcoat with the rare original hood, which would display fantastically!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollar to shoulder: 11\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 26”\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 16\"\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 21”\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 24\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: 31\"\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 51.5\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOvercoats 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStereotypically, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45005129351237,"sku":"ONSV25CDI080","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/C5E4923B-A6B5-49D1-80A5-8017BB257059.jpg?v=1778699209","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-1944-dated-em-nco-m44-gray-wool-greatcoat-with-hood-rbnr-marked","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}