German Field Blouse: Early Model 44 Field Blouse
Now I would like to discuss several examples that I have in my collection of M44 Field Blouses. First, we have an early made example. These uniforms are so interesting because they have a combination of different linings and insignia.
Left Image: The reasons I believe that this is an early made example of a M44 Field Blouse. Notice it has the late model triangular eagle and mouse grey collar patches. Middle Image: Here one can see the simplified back made from one piece of material and the one circular eyelet for belt support. Right Image: This picture illustrates the thin lining material used on these jackets and the fonts of the size numbering.
Left Image: One of the reasons that I believe that this is an early model is that all of the lining material was cut from the same lining cloth. On many of the later examples one can see different small pieces of lining material that was pressed into use. Right Image: This has straight pocket flaps on simple patch pockets.
German Field Blouse: Tailored Infantry Lieutenant
The second jacket I believe is a much later example. This one has been tailored for use by an Infantry Lieutenant. I have seen examples of this jacket used by junior officers but rarely were these worn by staff officers. The photo of General von Schwerin wearing a modified Model 44 field blouse is certainly the exception to the rule. Most senior officers had served long enough that they had several uniforms and did not have to source a new uniform in the closing days of the Third Reich.
Image: This example has been reworked by a Tailor shop. The pockets have been modified to add a more stylish look. The waistband has been shortened and there is only one button instead of the standard two. The cuffs lack the adjustment feature.
Left Image: This jacket does not have the two inner pockets. The two pieces of lining material were added to give strength to the wool material supporting the pockets. There is also no provision for the belt supports. Evidently the Officer did not intend to use the standard Enlisted Man’s field equipment. Right Image: This one has a different lining pattern. Notice how the collar was lined to provide additional comfort to the neck and the inferior quality of the lining shows a great deal of wear in comparison to the rest of the jacket.
German Field Blouse: Original Factory Label and Unique Coloration
This next Model 44 has a couple of interesting features. It has the original factory label, and the eagle is a standard Model 40 example that has been folded and sewn in the triangular pattern.
Image: It is rare to find the factory label on an uniform.
Left Image: The color of Model 44 Field Blouse varied greatly. This one appears to have more of a brown shade than the others. The label is from a factory in Pfarrkirchen which I believe is in Bavaria. A LAGO is a consortium of different factories in a geographical area. Right Image: This jacket has a two piece back. It also shows the belt support hooks for the equipment belt.
Left Image: Like many Model 44 jackets this one uses two different types of lining. Late in the war factories used whatever materials they had on hand. Right Image: This jacket has a tan lining material that was left over from the production of tropical uniforms.
German Field Blouse: Unique
The last example is a last-ditch example that was actually worn by a Soldier. It breaks many of the rules I have discussed above and illustrates the desperation that the Germans felt as their world collapsed around them. Examples like this one make the collecting of Model 44 Field Blouses a fascinating hobby.
Left Image: How many irregularities can you count? The pocket flaps are different and have early horn buttons for closures. It has a hidden three-button front and does not close at the neck. It has a narrow waistband (much like the British Battle Dress Uniform) with a single button closure. The eagle is an earlier pattern and was sewn directly to the front of the jacket before the lining was added. Right Image: This photo shows the hidden, three-button front and the strange closure strap. This jacket is probably one of a kind.
Left Image: This jacket has four different types of lining material. None of the buttons match and parts of the jacket were made from whatever the factory had on hand. Right Image: The shoulder straps were sewn directly into the shoulder seams.