A 1940 Kriegsmarine 'Drillich Herringbone Twill Linen Sailor Smock'.
A special archive acquisition.
The Kriegsmarine—the naval branch of the German armed forces—operated between 1935 and 1945, standing alongside the Army and Luftwaffe as one of three principal military divisions of Nazi Germany.
This piece represents the 'Drillich HBT Linen Sailor Smock', worn as a working garment by Kriegsmarine personnel during deck operations.
The Drillich Jacket is believed to have been developed from the French Army's Bourgeron, and the details and fabric character bear striking resemblance to that lineage.
As with the French Bourgeron, these appear in both pullover and front-opening variants, with fabrics ranging from cotton through linen blends to pure linen.
The substantial hand and distinctive movement of the fabric—a quality rivaling the finest French linens—accounts in part for its enduring appeal.
Linens of this era possess a quality apparent to even the untrained eye, a standard now considered impossible to replicate. The fabric alone carries considerable historical value.
Drillich Jackets remain scarce in the market.
The white working and training garment exemplified here originated with the Kaiserliche Marine (1701–1867), evolved through the Kaiserliche Deutsche Marine (1871–1918), and finally entered service with the Kriegsmarine.
Despite its sailor smock origins, the collar remains restrained and modest. The neckline opens in a clean V, skippers-style. A single square pocket sits at the right chest. Side vents feature chrysanthemum eyelets—naval details executed with quiet authority.
No size marking is visible, though proportions suggest a Japanese equivalent of M–L.
The measurements suggest a golden size for the Japanese physique, accommodating a range of frames.
It sits well worn close or oversized.
Light storage wear is present, but no damage that compromises wear. Period stampings remain clearly visible inside the collar.
German military pieces have drawn recent attention, yet existing examples remain exceptionally scarce—demand far outpaces supply given the historical circumstances of their survival.
A devoted following exists among collectors, and pieces of this caliber rarely change hands. This is unquestionably a coveted archive item.
Whether worn as wardrobe or preserved as a design reference and collection piece, it holds equal merit.
German military garments arrive at this shop with exceptional rarity. Should you have been seeking such a piece, this opportunity warrants serious consideration.
