M43 Tunic

[Jim Lemon]

I've had this tunic for quite a while, but cannot find any stamp or date on the tunic or buttons. The color of the tunic did not come out well in the picture, it actually looks brown not unlike US WWII officer tunics I have. What can I look at to date this?

I thought I would add some more details. The pocket buttonholes are handstiched, the others appear machine stitched. The pocket flaps and cuffs are lined with grey material. The pockets are grey material. All of the thread appears to be light green, and the material is ribbed. I don't know if this helps. :confused:
Jim

[DougD]

Did you check the back of the buttons? no date? Hmmm...its tough to tell 1940's / 1950's from actual wartime. some claim to be able to though, so maybe some details you have provided will help...we have a few guys who are good with the EM and officer field items.

DougD

[RichieC]

Doug is 100% correct. It is tough to tell 1940's / early 1950's from actual wartime.

Buttons can be changed easily in any case and as per my observations, the typical 16MM button was not marked with anything until as early as 1952.

I own a few of these rough olive/brown rough wool gabardine models (they turn more brownish with age, especially on the reverse and around damaged areas) which in my opinion (and the opinion of some Russian collectors) are most likely post war made, but used well until the late 1950s. However, this type of fabric was around in limited quantities for a while before that...

There are not many wartime made M43 "blouses" (Kitel included) left in the world. It seems that the most someone will come across are made from US made Lend -Lease "mustard" wool gab. As far as the rest, it seems to me that most were worn out and replaced with these (or the khaki cotton factory made officer/EM type with the green stitching) when "better times" came about.

I believe there was a short thread, with most of the "enlightening" provided by a dealer, on the WAF forum about these. Whether or not the information presented is 100% accurate, I'll leave up to your judgment, common sense, and ability to research your interest further.

Here is a link, and it mostly pertains to types of pocket liners as a way to "tell":

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I'll be more than happy to further participate in this thread and show all of mine, and if any other members can "chime in" and show theirs, it could be pretty fun and educating, as this is still a relatively "rarely discussed". I'll try and contact Mike Baskette who seems to be an knowledgeable source and ask him if he would like to participate also...

[Riley1965]

Is that "Sam Brown" style belt standard for this tunic or were other belts worn by officers with this uniform? :confused:

:thumbsup:thumbsup Doc

[RichieC]

Doc,

The Model 1932 belt (with the nickel plated double-claw buckle) was used just, or even more as often. In 1947, the brass variation was introduced. All were used by officers, with or without the cross-strap, on gymnasterka and greatcoats.

Every now and and then, in period photos, one can catch EM (privates up to senior sergeants) wearing any one of these...

[Riley1965]

Richie,
Thanks!! I have the double claw belt for mine. I'm adding a Tokarev holster this week and I now have the artillery insignia for the shoulderboards.:D:D:D

:thumbsup:thumbsup Doc