Waffen-SS Greatcoat M42
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 50.GOR.01.02.01.03.001.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s Greatcoat
(Waffen-SS Mantel für Mannschaften). A very well-preserved Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s greatcoat, constructed of smooth field-grey wool. It features a high collar constructed of forest-green wool, the reverse of which features a detachable field-grey wool strap meeting three grey bakelite buttons, allowing for optional closure modification. The right shoulder retains a pebbled magnetic metal button for the accommodation of a shoulder board, while the left shoulder bears a bronze base for an analogous button. The cuff of each sleeve is rolled up to a depth of 155 mm, with the left cuff held in place by a piece of machine stitching. A single pocket is located at the side of each breast flap, opening with a reinforced horizontal flap. Each breast flap bears a row of six pebbled magnetic metal buttons meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the opposite side. The exterior features complete with dual reverse straps, with the right strap bearing dual pebbled magnetic metal buttons meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left strap, allowing for a customizable fit. All buttons on the greatcoat are maker marked on the reverse with “OVERHOFF & CIE”, along with the Lüdenscheid-based firm’s logo. The interior of the greatcoat features a complete dark grey rayon liner, with a single interior pocket located at the upper left breast flap, as well as a reinforced slit on the same flap for the accommodation of a dagger hanger. Two integrated grey cotton loops are stitched into the armpits, with an additional suspension loop located at the back of the collar. The interior features complete with a bronze hook on the right of the collar meeting an analogous loop of identical constructed on the left, allowing for a flush fit with the wearer’s neck. It is unmarked and measures approximately 495 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 640 mm, and an overall length of 1300 mm. It demonstrates some exterior material fatigue consistent with age, use, and moth exposure. It also demonstrates the removal of insignia, including both shoulder boards (with the left button cap missing) and an eagle on the upper left arm. The greatcoat is in an overall better than very fine condition.
The overcoat (Mantel) was a standard item of clothing worn by numerous German organisations.
The M40 field-grey overcoat is double breasted, features two rows of six grey buttons, and the collar is field-grey to match the rest of the coat. The coat has four front pockets, two lower flapped pockets and two vertical slit pockets above. The reverse of the coat features a half belt with two buttons and a vent with an inverted pleat. The vertical pleat on Officer’s coats reached from the collar to the hem, while on the coats of NCO/EM (non-commissioned officers/enlisted men) ranks it reached from the hemline to the waist. The vertical seam and box pleat allowed the coat to expand and accommodate the wearer’s uniform and bulky equipment underneath.
Officers with the rank of SS-Oberführer and higher were allowed to wear the top three buttons of the greatcoat open and from 1941 onwards, recipients of the Knight’s Cross were also permitted to do so.
Many Officers privately purchased their greatcoats with non-regulation additions, such as blanket lining, sheepskin or fur collars, reinforced buttons, and extra pockets. As a result, numerous variations of the standard Waffen-SS greatcoat can be encountered.
Early in the war, Waffen-SS greatcoats were issued with full rank and unit insignia, but as of June 1942, greatcoats were no longer produced with insignia due to material shortages. All Waffen-SS personnel were ordered to remove the collar tabs from their coats.
In February of 1943, it was determined that cuff titles could only be worn on privately purchased coats.
Waffen-SS personnel often ignored uniform regulations and continued to wear banned insignia. However, as a general rule, Waffen-SS greatcoats were to be worn without collar tabs and cuff titles from 1939 to 1942, and from 1942 to 1945, the coats were to be worn without collar tabs, cuff titles, and sleeve eagles.
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