Model 1942 Feldbluse Description of Original The Model 1942 feldbluse had plain patch-style pockets, having lost the pleats to cost-saving measures. The lower pockets were now mostly saddlebag style instead of bellows style. Additionally, the lining design changed since the use of the internal suspender straps was all but gone. The familiar six-piece lining with the strap openings and sewn tunnels was replaced with a simpler, three-piece design that used short belt hook straps sewn directly to the tunic above the eyelets.
The SS version varied in three ways:
The lining is slightly different in that the front panels intersect the hemline. The original SS versions we have encountered seem to have been manufactured this way.
There were two belt hook eyelets instead of three.
The SS retained the five button closure.
Description of Our M42 All of our M42 feldblusen have the plain patch pockets, with the lower pockets made in the saddlebag style. Front closure is via six pebbled steel or zinc buttons; currently we are using repainted wartime originals, until they run out. Lining in the pictures is mouse gray cotton twill. However:
All Heer M42 and M43 feldblusen are made with the rayon lining. Cotton lining is available upon request.
All SS M42 and M43 feldblusen are made with various linings, usually cotton and rayon. If a close match for the HBT rayon is available, we will use that in the M43s.
Since the SS version's lining and number of belt hook eyelets and placket buttons differed from the Heer version, we will make all SS feldblusen this way unless otherwise requested. Again, the lining in the front panels angled down towards and intersected the bottom hemline. There were only two belt hook eyelets and five front placket buttons. See the picture below of our original SS tunic's interior.
SS M42 made with mid-war fieldgray plain weave wool. It's more brownish, less blue--monitors WILL vary, guys, so ask for a swatch of wool!
Heer M42 made with mid-war fieldgray twill weave wool
SS M42
Heer M42
SS M42 with cotton twill lining
Heer M42 with cotton twill lining
SS M42
Heer M42
SS M42 Features
photo of ORIGINAL SS-BW M43 tunic lining
Our SS M42 belthook eyelets and straps
interior shoulder detail of our SS M42/M43
_______________________________________
Model 1943 Feldbluse Description of Original The Model 1943 version continued with the patch pockets, but lost the pocket flaps' scalloping, using straight cut flaps instead. Lining remained unchanged from the 1942 design, but did experience much more use of rayon (twill, HBT, linen) although use of cotton twill did not cease altogether. The above Model 1942 notes for SS versions also apply for this version.
Description of our M43 Our M43 features are identical to the M42 with the exception of having straight pocket flaps. Lower pockets are saddlebag style, as opposed to the bellows style of the pre- and early-war feldblusen.
All Heer M43 feldblusen are made with rayon lining unless otherwise requested.
All SS M43 feldblusen are made with rayon, rayon HBT, or cotton twill lining--depends upon availability of the rayon linings.
SS M43 made with mid-war plain weave wool
Heer M43 made with twill weave wool
M43 chest pocket flap, breast eagle, and pressed paper button used on the cuffs
size markings, and depot and maker's stamps
All of our feldblusen are marked as the originals were marked. The maker's stamp is ficticious, as this company never existed. We thought that we should not mark a tunic with a genuine maker's stamp to help prevent fraud and possible legal infringements on copyrights. Mid-war and late war items are usually marked with an RB Number. All size markings are in centimeters.
