German M36 Soldier's Greatcoat. Artillery Beobachter

A very good lightly used example of the WH (Heer) M36 Greatcoat (Wachmantel) worn by an Artillery forward observer, a Beobachter.

This early example bears a depot stamp for 1940 so amongst the last of the M36 pattern which was modified the following year as an economy measure and which, amongst other modifications, no longer featured the smart olive green coloured collar.

Constructed in the field grey wool of the M36 uniform it is double breasted in style with six rows of two pebbled buttons by Motz which retain most of their original field grey finish. At the neck, a single hook and eye completes the closure.

There are two bag pockets with slanted flaps whilst each sleeve terminates with a French cuff. At the back, a long, pleated vent is closed by buttons and a single hook and eye so the Coat can be worn in a mounted situation such as on a motorbike.

The collar is very prominent and pointed, the colour matching the superb sewn in shoulder straps for a Beobachter.

 Part lined in a grey cotton, there is one inside pocket with a name stamp, Rago, which I assume is the maker. There are size stampings and a barely discernible depot stamp.

Overall condition is very good but with some mothing to the lower front which I have tried to show in the pictures. This seems to be much favoured area for moth attack on these coats. 

Stamp sized to a 96 cms chest the approximate measurements are:

Sleeve length, shoulder seam to end of cuff,69cms.

Shoulder to shoulder 42cms

Base of neck to bottom of coat 122cms

Chest, measured outside, 100 cms.