Original German WWII Heer Army Wool M42 Wachtmantel Greatcoat with Insulated Lining

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely lightly used German WWII Heer Army M42 Wachtmantel (Guard Coat) Great coat or overcoat, constructed with an outer shell of heavy feldgrau (field gray) "doe skin" weave wool. These were preferred during the cold months, and have an unmistakable silhouette. The M42 was introduced during the war to be more protective against the cold than more lightweight greatcoats, and was one of the most prolific garments as worn by members of the troops fighting in the Ardennes Offensive, better known as the "Battle of the Bulge".

The interior of the great coat is fully lined with woven wool insulation, and is in very good service used condition, showing wear commensurate with light to moderate service. There is a rayon-lined slash pocket on the inner left chest, but no other internal pockets, and there is also no slot for an officer's dagger, though there are slots on the back for belt hooks. We checked all the pockets and usual spots, however we were not able to locate any maker information for the coat, which is almost certainly bespoke.

The great coat conforms to M42 Wachtmantel pattern with a long lay down collar and long cuffs at the end of the sleeves. The front features the correct 12 button front closure, featuring 6 buttons on each side, which are sewn directly to the fabric of the coat. These are magnetic, with green painted pebbled tops, and we were not able to see any maker marks on the backs. There are diagonal nearly vertical slash pockets on either side of the buttons, which are both lined with the same insulation as the jacket, so we assume these would be for the hands. Just below the waist on both sides are rayon lined horizontal slash pockets, which have top flaps that can be worn both in and out of the pockets. The rear bottom of the coat has the usual button closure, which would be used depending on the situation, and there is an adjustment belt on the back.

There are no shoulder insignia on this greatcoat, but it retains the loops at the ends and buttons so that some could easily be installed. This also means that the coat could easily be changed to be used by a person of any rank or branch of service.

Condition is very good considering the age, with the colors retained very well, and no major damage, just the usual light staining and wear from service. There is some light mothing in areas, as well as wear around the collar, usually the first place to show wear. There is also some pilling to the wool in areas, such as around the cuffs and the very bottom of the jacket. There are some small tears and pulls to the lining, probably from gear that the owner was wearing.

This is a lovely lightly used example of a genuine German WWII Heer Army M42 Wachtmantel wool greatcoat and would display fantastically.

Following the invasion of the Soviet Union the Greatcoat was found to be insufficient for the Russian winter and they were replaced by more effective clothing.

Overcoats in various forms have been used by militaries since at least the late 18th century, and were especially associated with winter campaigns, such as Napoleon's Russian campaign. The full-length overcoat was once again popularized by the use during World War I of the trench coat.

Stereotypically, overcoats used by the army tended to be single-breasted, while navies often used double-breasted overcoats. Overcoats continued to be used as battle dress until the mid-1940s and 1950s, when they were deemed impractical. However, in colder countries, such as the former Soviet Union, they continue to be issued and used. When more efficient clothing and synthetic fibers became readily available, the overcoat began to be phased out even there.

Approximate Measurements
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 25.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15.5"
Chest width: 20”
Waist: 20"
Hip: 30"
Front length: 49"