Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Luftwaffe Signals senior Unteroffiziere (NCO's) private purchase four pocket Tuchrock service tunic made from fine Fliegerblau, or Flyer’s Blue, whipcord wool. The insignia identify the wearer as an Oberfeldwebel of the Luftnachrichtentruppe, or Signals branch, while the two cuff rings indicate that he held the company appointment of Hauptfeldwebel. The tunic is further distinguished by a hand embroidered silver bullion Luftwaffe eagle, private purchase style details, and the initials B Z S sewn inside the left chest.

The tunic has a four button front closure with an additional concealed snap at the bottom and four square pleated pockets with square buttoned flaps. The pebbled buttons are magnetic and appear original to the garment. The front closure buttons have aluminum caps over steel backings and eyelets, while the pocket buttons have silvered zinc caps showing some finish wear. Maker markings are present on the reverses of the buttons.

The interior is lined in gray blue satin cotton rayon blend material, with striped white rayon sleeve linings. A horizontal slash pocket is present on the left inner chest, near which the initials:

B Z S

are hand stitched in red and white twisted thread.

A fixed length internal waist belt is present to help maintain the tailored profile. No maker, depot, or issue markings were located, which together with the construction and insignia suggests private purchase or local tailor manufacture rather than a standard issue garment.

The tunic is adorned with the usual rank and branch insignia used on German tunics. The right breast of the uniform has an attractive silver bullion and flatwire thread hand embroidered Luftwaffe eagle sewn in place with the correct stitching pattern in a fashion typical of wartime German tailor work. It is only stitched to the outer layer of fabric, so it is the original eagle installed on this uniform tunic. This type of eagle is usually only seen on officer tunics, but for a senior NCO private purchase tunic, it is also appropriate.

The collar is edged completely in approximately 10mm wide silver NCO Tresse, correct for an NCO Tuchrock. The attached Kragenpatten (Collar Flaps) are in Braun (Saddle Brown), the correct Luftwaffe Waffenfarbe (Corps Color) for the Air communications corps (Luftnachrichtentruppe), usually referred to as "Signals". There is also a brown braid around the outside of the collar, usually only seen early issue or private-purchase tunics such as this. The sew-in style Schulterklappen (Shoulder Boards or Epaulettes) have the same color piping, and a single row of 10mm NCO tress around the outside with two rank "Pips" added, indicating the rank of Oberfeldwebel (Senior Field Usher), equivalent to a U.S. Master Sergeant. This is further supported by the collar insignia, which each correctly show four "gull wing" insignia for Oberfeldwebel.

Additionally, this tunic is also fitted with two 10 mm rings of NCO tresse around the cuffs of the sleeves, which were nicknamed Kolbenringe (piston rings), indicating that the wearer held the assignment of Hauptfeldwebel (Head Field Usher). The Hauptfeldwebel was the senior NCO of each company, and was responsible for administrative duties, and carried a Meldetasche (reporting pouch) tucked into the tunic front, in which he carried blank report forms, rosters and other papers related to his duties. The position had many nicknames, including Spieß ("Spear") and Mutter der Kompanie ("mother of the company"). 

There are two thread loops at the bottom of the left breast pocket, for attachment of an award that is no longer present.

Overall condition is very good, with strong retention of the Flyer’s Blue color and no major exterior structural damage. There is localized fading, including a noticeably lighter area at the rear vent, together with scattered age toning and staining. The insignia show some oxidation, particularly to the collar gulls and shoulder board pips. The interior lining remains in very good condition overall with normal service wear, though some stitching appears to have been redone.

With its saddle brown Signals branch insignia, Oberfeldwebel rank, Hauptfeldwebel cuff rings, private purchase construction, hand embroidered bullion eagle, and BZS interior initials, this is a particularly well appointed Luftwaffe senior NCO service tunic. The localized fading, staining, oxidized insignia, award loops, and areas of restitched lining are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Luftwaffe Signals, senior NCO, Hauptfeldwebel, private purchase uniform, or advanced German WWII tunic collection.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 23"
Shoulder to shoulder: 18"
Chest width: 18"
Waist: 16"
Hip: 21"
Front length: 29"

The Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.