[~40’s] WWII German Army & Afrika Korps M43 Tropical Field Jacket "Wehrmacht" "DAK"

 

Estimated around the 1940s, German armyGerman Africa Corps "M43 Tropical Field Jacket".

Special items are now in stock.

The German Army (Wehrmacht) is a unified military that was reorganized as the state's regular army during the Nazi Germany period, and was a military organization that existed from 1935 to 1945 as a framework that unified the three armies of the Army (Heer), Navy (Kriegsmarine), and Air Force (Luftwaffe).

After World War I, Germany's military armament was severely restricted by the Treaty of Versailles, and in particular military air power was prohibited, but rearmament progressed in a way that broke through these restrictions, and in 1935, along with the reintroduction of conscription, the existence of an air force (Luftwaffe) was announced, and the military expansion system as a total national power came to the fore.

The Wehrmacht thus established functioned as a "military vessel" to carry out the Nazi regime's foreign expansion policy, and its role became decisive with the outbreak of World War II.

In the early stages, from the invasion of Poland (1939) to the Blitzkrieg in the West (1940), the movement of armored forces and the coordination of air power accelerated the deployment of operations, but as the war dragged on, they failed to gain air superiority in the British Air War (1940), and the war between Germany and the Soviet Union became a quagmire, and they lost their strategic advantage in a war of attrition.

After Germany's unconditional surrender in May 1945, the Allies proceeded with disarmament and occupation control, and on August 20, 1946, the Wehrmacht was legally disbanded and abolished by the Allied Management Council's ``Management Council Act No. 34 (Kontrollratsgesetz Nr. 34)''.

After the war, Germany temporarily went through a state of having no military, and then rearmament proceeded separately in the east and west within the Cold War structure.

In West Germany, the Federal Army (Bundeswehr) was established in 1955, and in East Germany, the National People's Army (NVA) was organized in 1956, but both were positioned as newly formed armies with different systems and control philosophies from the Wehrmacht era.

German military equipment at the time was refined through a division of labor system that integrated functional requirements and even ``visual appearance.''

In terms of design, professionals such as artist "Karl Diebitsch" and graphic designer "Walter Heck" were involved in the exterior design of the SS black uniforms, promoting standardization of silhouettes, color schemes, and decorations.

On the other hand, actual manufacturing was carried out by multiple garment manufacturers, including Hugo Boss, who shared responsibility for mass production and quality control based on government-funded standards.

It is often misunderstood that "design = Hugo Boss", but in reality it is a division of labor between "design (government offices/designers) x manufacturing (suppliers)".

Introducing the "M43 Tropical Field Jacket", which was issued and worn by the German military as a field jacket for tropical regions during World War II.

This jacket is a model known for being worn by the German Afrika Korps (DAK).

DAK is an expeditionary unit of the German Wehrmacht that was formed in February 1941 to support the Italian army on the North African front.

Under the command of Field Marshal "Erwin Rommel", nicknamed the "Desert Fox", fierce battles were waged against the Allied forces in the scorching heat of North Africa, including Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia.

DAK's defeat at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942 was a turning point, and it was forced to retreat to Tunisia. On May 13, 1943, DAK finally surrendered to the Allied forces.

Considering the model of this individual, M43, it is inferred that this is the one that was worn at the end of DAK, or in the theaters of war from North Africa to Southern Europe.

This is an extremely rare item that is arriving for the first time in our store.
This is a masterpiece that you will probably never see in Japan.

The first thing worth mentioning is the orthodox four-pocket design, which is similar to the field uniforms of the German army.

It has a configuration that faithfully follows the grammar of German military field jackets, with symmetrical flap pockets on the chest and left and right flap pockets on the hem.

Each pocket flap is fastened with a button that has a pebble texture typical of the German military, and the presence of these buttons gives the entire jacket a unique military look.

If you look at the back of this front button, you can see that it is fixed to the fabric with an S-ring metal fitting (S-shaped metal part).

This is an attachment method unique to German military uniforms, and is a very German detail that sets it apart from regular buttons that are sewn with thread.

The fact that military standards are adhered to in every detail confirms that this jacket is a genuine government-issued item.

The sleeves have button closures.

Paper buttons unique to the German military are used here, and this simple button, made from compressed fiber rather than metal, is a testament to the material situation during the war.

If you look at the inside, you can see that padding made of cotton sateen fabric is carefully sewn on various parts, and you can see that consideration has been given to the feel and durability when worn.

There is also a simple pocket with a paper button closure on the right hem, which is probably intended for storing personal accessories.

Furthermore, if you look closely at the inside of the placket, you can see a faint original German military stamp, although it cannot be deciphered.

The existence of this government stamp quietly but surely proves the origin of this specimen.

When you look at the silhouette, you'll be surprised by its neat appearance, which resembles an officer's jacket.

The sleeves are designed to swing in the front, and the pattern is calculated to create a beautiful drape when standing upright, while ensuring a range of motion when the arms are extended forward.

The back has a deep back yoke and pleats that naturally shape the waist, giving it an elegant impression even though it is a field uniform.

This ``beauty born from the pursuit of functionality'' can be said to be the true essence of German military uniforms.

This item uses "100% cotton" fabric.

Made of cotton twill fabric with a dry touch, it has a texture that combines the lightness of a tropical suit with the reliability of a military uniform.
The surface has a faint twill pattern, giving it a sense of depth that won't make it look flat, yet it also feels comfortable against the skin.

Although it has a tough material, the more you wear it, the harder it becomes and adapts to your body, allowing the wrinkles and bite to become your own expression.

The color is a khaki olive color with dullness and depth.

Khaki olive, a blend of yellow and olive, has a ``dry, warm feel'' reminiscent of dust and sunlight, and quietly gives off a military-like persuasion.

The shading of the twill creates shades depending on how the light hits it, and depending on the viewing angle, a slight gradation appears, which is unique to this fabric.

It can be said that this coloring allows you to enjoy the ``sex appeal unique to military uniforms'' hidden within the calm khaki.

I cannot confirm the size description, but I think it corresponds to "S ~ M" in Japanese size.

Even if you look at the actual measurements, the size will be on the small side, so if you are petite, you will be able to wear it without any problems.

There are some signs of use such as dirt and fraying, but it is in surprisingly good condition for a World War II era piece.
I don't see any fatal damage that would make it difficult to wear, and I think it is still in good condition.

In recent years, attention to German military items in particular has increased further.
On the other hand, due to historical background, there are very few of them in existence, and the reality is that supply is not keeping up with demand.

It is also a field where there are a certain number of enthusiastic enthusiasts, and there is no doubt that it is a "coveted archive piece" that collectors will find difficult to part with.

This is not something you can buy if you spend money, and we cannot guarantee whether it will be available in the future.

A perfect piece for your wardrobe, as well as a collection item and design source.

For military vintage collectors, those with deep knowledge of the history of German military uniforms, and those looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing that can't be found anywhere else.

Don't miss this opportunity.