Original German WWII Heer Army HBT "Reed Green" Drilljacke Field Tunic - Extra Large Size

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a lovely lightly used condition German WWII Heer Army Herring Bone Twill constructed Drilljacke or Drillichjacke (Drill Work Jacket), with a fantastic look. It is in an extra large size, even hanging a bit loosely on someone who is 6'2" and 220lbs. There are no markings on the inside of the tunic, and the only insignia is the 1940 pattern BeVo embroidered Heer Army eagle on the right breast. It does however have loops and buttons for the attachment of rank insignia.

During the reorganization of the army in April 1933, a new grey drill uniform or "Drillichanzug" - a direct descendent of the Reichheer's "Moleskinanzu"- was released. The new outfit was composed of off-white, at times greyish linen tunic (Drillichjacke) and trousers (Drillichose) with just the rank insignias on it. It was used by all recruits in quarters and was used exclusively as the working and campaign uniform by the troops. The tunic was furnished with five buttons, had a closed collar and two lower, no flap, bag pockets without buttons. It was hung by means of the inside waist strap. Originally, the design was meant to go over the standard service uniform, and protect it from getting dirty, but that concept was quickly abandoned.

Because of the conditions on the many fronts and the fact that conflicts quickly flared up across much of the Greater Germany landmass, the gray color of this fatigue uniform didn't really match the new camouflage concepts, especially because when in service it would fade to an off white color. By an order of February 12th, 1940 orders were issued stating that these drill uniforms had to be manufactured in green, a color often called "Reed Green". This new version was very popular at the front during the summer months as a cooler alternative to the combat jacket and also as an overall.

At this time, the drill uniform began to be used showing the same insignia and emblems as that used with the combat jacket, in open contravention of regulations. It was a completely practical uniform that moved the Army Ministry to demand a new, specific, summer tunic in early 1942 for combat and duty job fashioned after the 'Feldbluse'. Apparently, the advent of the new 1944 uniform affected the 'Drillich' although there is no record that an eventual summer version of this late uniform was ever developed.

Here we have one of those "reed green" colored HBT Drilljacke Tunics, in an EXTRA large size. These varied quite a bit in the configuration and construction style, and this lightly used example features a 5 button front closure with the button holes "hidden" under a flap on the left side. The buttons are of simple stamped zinc construction with four holes, and match the button on the single pleated pocket on the front left chest, which has a scalloped flap. The buttons on the shoulders are the more standard type, magnetic with olive pebbled caps.

The interior is unlined, as is correct, and features a single slash pocket on the inside of the right chest. There is a partial internal size belt on the rear, and there are also 4 large belt slots in the tunic around the waist, though we do not know what type of belt would be used with these. It is possible that this Drilljacke was one of the early ones intended to go over a uniform, so the slots would provide somewhere for the belt looks to stick through.

The Drilljacke shows wear but is overall solid, with no major tears or condition issues. It has a fantastic look that makes it perfect for any type of WWII display.

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 12"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 19"
Chest width: 25”
Waist: 26"
Front length: 32"