New Edition Original German Wwii Luftwaffe Flight Branch Oberfeldwebel Nco Fliegerbluse Tunic With Rbnr. Markings Next Gen [4dyiumpc]

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic WWII German Luftwaffe Flight Branch NCO Two Pocket Fliegerbluse (Flight Blouse) Service Tunic, which features a gorgeous cross-stitched breast eagle. The tunic shows very light wear, and is one of the nicer examples we have had. It is equipped with a very desirable "hidden" four bakelite button front closure, and two waist pockets, which can have the flaps folded in for a cleaner look. These looked great in service, with a very streamlined look, and it is a relatively short design, somewhat like an "Ike" jacket. It was produced in the standard Fliegerblau (Flyer's Blue) doeskin weave wool, and really looks great.

The interior of the tunic features blue gray lining and reinforced areas, as is typical of depot issued uniform material. There is very little wear to the interior. There are two interior chest pockets with button closures on the top, and the left inner chest pocket has faded RBNr. and size markings:

0/0250/2463
41    43
96
63    61

There are no other markings we could find. This example retains its original sets of gull wings on each Kragenpatten (Collar Tabs) which show some difference in patina across the gulls, which likely means the soldier was promoted and added them during the period. Both sets appear original to the uniform and are in great condition.

The right breast of the uniform has a correct embroidered NCO BeVo Luftwaffe eagle sewn in place with a lovely cross-stitching pattern. This is a very lovely variant, without any damage to the stitching. The left breast still bears several award loops, making for a great display opportunity.

The collar of this officer's tunic has 10mm wide NCO Tresse flat silver piping going around the entire collar, correct for an NCO fliegerbluse. The attached Kragenpatten (Collar Flaps) are in Goldgelb (Gold-Yellow), as is the collar piping, the correct Waffenfarbe (Corps Color) for Aviator troops such as pilots, air crew, and ground personnel, as well as Fallschirmjäger (parachute troops). Interestingly, this same Goldgelb piping can be found stitched along the collar in a twisted style, the intention for which we are unsure. The early 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 (Master Sergeant). This is further supported by the collar insignia, which each correctly show four "gull wing" insignia for Oberfeldwebel.

Overall condition is really good, showing some light wear, and this is definitely a top example, more than ready for fitting with additional insignia and display. A great set, ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15"
Chest width: 18”
Waist: 18"
Hip: 21"
Front length: 27.5"

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.