Wehrmacht (Heer) NCO’s M42 Field Blouse, Pioneer Corps

Wehrmacht (Heer) NCO’s M42 Field Blouse, Pioneer Corps. Introduced in 1942, the M42 field blouse was the first model to feature four unpleated front pockets. It also replaced the separate belt support hook suspenders with short integral straps. This example started as an enlisted man’s (EM) issue tunic but was later upgraded to an NCO’s rank. It is made of a high-quality wool/rayon blend and features six front closure buttons and four non-pleated front pockets. A nicely hand-sewn M39-style BeVo-woven breast eagle is applied. The tailored dark-green M36-style wool collar has original machine-sewn collar tabs with silver NCO braid. The collar tabs and shoulder boards both feature black branch color piping, indicating service in the Pioneer Corps. The interior is partially lined in grey rayon and includes a small bandage pocket on the lower right. The field blouse markings are faded but indicate a chest size of 90 cm and a maker’s mark, dated 1942. The tunic shows signs of wear and some damage but remains a well-preserved, original M42 field blouse in good used condition. See photos for details.