A Wehrmacht summer field jacket in green Drillich herringbone twill linen, estimated from the 1940s.
A special acquisition.
The Wehrmacht—the unified military of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945—comprised three branches: the Heer (army), Kriegsmarine (navy), and Luftwaffe (air force).
The name Wehrmacht replaced the earlier "Reichswehr," marking the Nazi regime's effort to rearm Germany beyond the limits permitted by the Treaty of Versailles.
Following Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933, the establishment of the Wehrmacht was among his most explicit and audacious undertakings.
It signified the creation of a modern military force with aggressive capability—essential to achieving the Nazi regime's long-term objectives of reclaiming lost territories, acquiring new lands, and dominating neighboring nations.
This required the reintroduction of conscription and substantial investment in military production and defense spending.
Following Germany's unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945, Allied occupation began and the Wehrmacht underwent systematic dissolution.
On 20 August 1946, the Wehrmacht and all its subdivisions were formally dissolved by the Allied Command.
This included the Heer, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe.
After the Wehrmacht's dissolution, Germany became a nation without military force. Subsequently, rearmament in both West Germany (Federal Republic) and East Germany (German Democratic Republic) proceeded separately within the Cold War context.
West Germany established the Bundeswehr (Federal Armed Forces) in 1955, becoming part of NATO.
Meanwhile, East Germany founded the Nationale Volksarmee (National People's Army) in 1956, joining the Warsaw Pact.
These new military organizations were regarded as distinct from Wehrmacht traditions and structure.
From the Wehrmacht, we present the "Drillich Summer Field Jacket (Drillichanzug)"—issued and worn as summer field wear during the Second World War.
Drillich is a German term denoting a weaving method, specifically referring to herringbone twill fabric.
During the Second World War in particular, the Wehrmacht adopted it extensively across summer work wear to combat uniforms due to its superior durability.
Originally introduced as unbleached work and training garments, once hostilities commenced, its comfort and practicality led to adoption as summer combat wear for field service.
This indicates that across the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe, Drillich garments served in varied capacities beyond mere work wear during summer months.
Though initially designed for work and training purposes, it underwent continuous refinement toward colors and configurations better suited to combat, evolving in response to practical field requirements.
Drillich in the Wehrmacht is said to have been produced with reference to the French Bourgeron, and the details and hand of the fabric bear striking resemblance.
When one speaks of Drillich-fabricated items in the Wehrmacht, the market circulation tends toward work jackets worn in-base. A summer field garment (Drillichanzug) such as this example is exceedingly rare—a piece collectors covet.
A minimalist composition with patch pockets only at both hem lines, straightforward linear design unmarred by excess, and the austere bearing characteristic of military dress.
These elements, enhanced by linen's natural hand and color fade, evoke the finest qualities of vintage presence.
The collar bears insignia distinctive of "general enlisted corps"—collar tabs marked by white and black striping, an essential detail evoking the rank and function inherent to military garments.
Both shoulders retain the characteristic Wehrmacht shoulder board buttons and loops intact, their presence conveying historical context precisely as conceived in the original specification.
Front closure operates via button fastening.
The front buttons employ Wehrmacht-specific hardware, secured on the reverse with S-ring metal fixtures.
The sleeves feature dimensional construction at the forward drape, lending the garment—despite its military provenance—the refined bearing of tailored suiting.
Inside, period stamps remain visible. Wehrmacht practice involved stamping five numerical values on most pieces.
· Upper left figures denote length to the waist or length to the hem tail.
· Upper right figures denote collar size or circumference around the neck band.
· Central figures denote chest width.
· Lower left figures denote overall length.
· Lower right figures denote sleeve length.
All measurements are recorded in centimeters.
The color is the Wehrmacht's singular reed green.
A muted, deep green that conveys harmony with the natural world while simultaneously carrying a distinctly urban refinement—an uncommon equilibrium.
Bearing military austerity while settling seamlessly into contemporary styling, this reed green possesses a quiet but unmistakable presence.
The fabric employs Drillich—the herringbone twill specific to Wehrmacht issue, fabricated in "100% linen," a material highly regarded in the vintage market.
Its distinctive hand—the gentle undulation with each movement—rivals French linen, and this quality contributes measurably to its appeal.
Linen of this era remains exceptional even to untrained hands; contemporary reproduction is said to be impossible. The fabric alone commands substantial value.
Size markings read "41 / 44 / 102 / 70 / 62,"
corresponding approximately to Japanese size M.
Actual measurements suggest a golden fit for Japanese proportions, accommodating a wide range of builds.
The fabric exhibits characteristic surface wear, soiling, abrasion, oxidation, missing drawcord, and missing S-rings—normal signs of use. No significant damage impeding wear is apparent, and the piece remains readily wearable.
German military items have attracted particular notice in recent years, yet such pieces remain exceptionally scarce in extant condition. Demand substantially outpaces supply.
Wehrmacht items command devoted collectors who rarely release such holdings—undeniably an archive piece of considerable desire.
This is not an object to be acquired simply through expenditure; future availability remains uncertain.
An exemplary wardrobe piece and equally suited as a collecting artifact or design reference.
Seldom encountered domestically or abroad, this remains an item for those who have sought it or favor the uncommon. Do not overlook this opportunity.
