Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice German WWII Luftwaffe Flight Branch Offiziersränge (Officer Ranks) Officer's Four Pocket Fliegerbluse (Flight Blouse) Service Tunic, made from lovely Luftwaffe Fliegerblau (Flyer's Blue) Blue Gray "whipcord weave" wool. The fliegerbluse tunic features a four button front closure with a lay-down collar, and it has four squared pleated pockets with square button-down flaps. The pebbled buttons on the tunic are all magnetic, made from steel. They all have maker markings on the back, and are stitched directly to the uniform fabric.

The interior of the tunic is lined with dark red rayon around the body, with striped white rayon in the sleeves, as is standard. There are horizontal slash pockets on the inner chest on both sides, and there is a hanger strap for a dagger, which matches up with the large eyelet that exits through the left waist pocket.

The right breast of the uniform has a correct hand embroidered silver bullion Luftwaffe eagle sewn in place with the correct stitching pattern. It is stitched through to the interior, so it may have been added later. The collar of this officer's tunic has a twisted bullion border, correct for a Luftwaffe officer's fliegerbluse. The attached Kragenpatten (Collar Flaps) are in Goldgelb (Gold-Yellow), the correct Waffenfarbe (Corps Color) for Aviator troops such as pilots and ground personnel, as well as Fallschirmjäger (parachute troops). The Schulterklappen (Shoulder Boards or Epaulettes) have the same color bases, and have four rows of silver "Russia Braid" around the edge with no pips, indicating the rank of Leutnant (Lieutenant). However, this does not line up with the collar insignia, which each show three "gull wing" insignia over an oak leaf wreath which would denote the rank of Hauptmann (Captain). It is possible that the shoulder boards had pips, and they just fell out over time.

There are three ribbons attached to threads over the left breast pocket, the 1914-1918 Honor Cross with swords for a Combatant, the Iron Cross 1914 2nd Class, and the War Merit Cross. There are also two award loops on the pocket itself, and another four below it, making for an exciting display opportunity. There is also a 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon stitched to the top buttonhole. On the interior is a maker’s tag, reading:

Linguanti
RAGUSA

The label appears to identify a tailor named Linguanti operating in Ragusa. This may indicate Italian manufacture, but the precise identity and location of the tailor have not been confirmed. The name Ragusa may refer to the Sicilian city, while the historic name was also used for present day Dubrovnik. Further research into the tailor may clarify where the uniform was produced and the circumstances of its manufacture.

A small red fabric strip is sewn inside one of the tunic pockets. A matching red strip appears inside the accompanying breeches, supporting the assessment that the two garments were made as a set by the same tailor.

Overall condition is very good, showing only light wear, and the insignia showing light wear and age toning. There are no major tears, repairs, or other major condition issues that we can see. Just a nice honest used tunic.

The included matching breeches are made from the same shade whipcord fabric, clearly by the same maker. There is a small red strip stitched to an interior pocket on the jacket, and the same strip stitched to the pants. They show top quality bespoke construction, and have a three button fly front closure, which has a metal hook and loop at the top, as well as an offset button for a strap from the left. There are belt loops around the top, and buttons and tabs for the attachment of suspenders. There are two button-closed diagonal slash pockets on front, with a button closed rear flap pocket on the right side, and a small horizontal slash pocket next to the fly for a watch. The bottoms of the legs have zippers to help fit them inside officer's boots. Overall condition of the breeches is excellent.

Luftwaffe officers were generally responsible for acquiring their own uniforms and frequently purchased tailor made garments rather than relying exclusively upon depot issued clothing. Privately tailored examples can display considerable variation in fabric, lining, pocket construction, and internal details while retaining the prescribed insignia and general appearance of regulation uniforms. Uniforms made by tailors outside Germany are also known, particularly in territories where Luftwaffe personnel were stationed.

The matching whipcord fabric, corresponding red tailor’s strips, Italian or Adriatic region tailor’s label, complete internal fittings, bullion insignia, and surviving ribbon and award arrangement make this set worthy of further study. The unresolved difference between the Hauptmann collar tabs and Leutnant shoulder boards is an important part of its present configuration rather than a detail that should be concealed. As assembled, the tunic and breeches would be appropriate for a collection centered on Luftwaffe officer tailoring, Flight Branch uniforms, German wartime service dress, or uniforms produced by foreign tailors.