Original Item: One-of-a-kind. In early 1941, the German military began their conquest of southern Europe. Due to the warmer climates of these areas, the German Army needed to equip its troops with a more suitable form of dress, and replace the standard wool based feldgrau uniforms. The new "tropical" uniforms were lighter in weight, and dyed in colors ranging from light tan to dark olive.

This 100% authentic German World War Two M41 Heer Tropenbluse Tropical Tunic is in very good lightly used condition. The tunic is made out of lightweight cotton twill weave denim-like material which has been dyed a darker olive/tan. It features four flat front pockets with scalloped pockets, so this is sometimes called the "second pattern" (the first pattern had pleated pockets). We have seen these referred to as M41 or M42 tunics, with the M43 having square pocket flaps.

This very nice uniform has had the vast majority of the standard sewn-on insignia removed, including the breast eagle and collar tab litzen, however can definitely see that they were installed in the past. It also has two thread loops under the left pocket, for an award that is no longer present. The left sleeve does still have a set of DAK enlisted chevrons attached, with golden diamond tress on an olive background, correct for North Africa. The double chevron indicates the enlisted rank of Obergefreiter, equivalent to a U.S. Army Corporal. Additionally, the lower right sleeve has an Afrikakorps Ärmelstreiffen (Africa Corps Cuff Title) sewn to it, which is the later BeVo embroidered pattern with a silver thread Latin AFRIKAKORPS marking, and totally correct. It is hand sewn to the sleeve.

The front of the tunic has five original pebbled buttons for the main closure, and four pocket buttons, all of which were originally a nice green color, but now only a few buttons still have a good amount of the finish present. The majority show a gray oxidized zinc patina. The two shoulder buttons for the rank insignis are identical, and all look to be made from non-magnetic zinc or aluminum, and are maker marked on the back. All of these buttons are held in place with steel circlip retainers, except for the shoulder buttons, which are sewn on directly.

As is correct for this type of tunic, it is unlined except for specific areas, such as the sides where reinforcement is required. The the right side flap over the button circlips has faded maker markings and size markings with an RBNr. at the top. Unfortunately the markings are too light for us to accurately decipher.

Overall condition is very good, showing light wear and discoloration from service. There are no major tears or condition issues that we can see, and it has a great lightly worn look. A fantastic totally genuine Afrika Korps M41 tunic in great lightly used condition. Ready to display!

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15.5”
Chest width: 19"
Waist width: 17"
Hip width: 22"
Front length: 30.5"

The Afrika Korps or German Africa Corps (Deutsches Afrikakorps or DAK) was the German expeditionary force in Africa during the North African Campaign of World War II. First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of their African colonies, the formation fought on in Africa, under various appellations, from March 1941 until its surrender in May 1943. The term "Afrika Korps" is pseudo-German (so-called "cod-German"), deriving from an incomplete German title. The German term referred solely to the initial formation, the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK), which formed part of the Axis command of the German and Italian forces in North Africa. The name stuck, with both news media and Allied soldiers, as the name for all subsequent German units in North Africa. The unit is known for having been commanded by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.