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44TH REICHS-GRENADIER DIVISION "HOCH UND DEUTSCHMEISTER" OFFICER'S TUNIC

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
44TH REICHS-GRENADIER DIVISION  HOCH UND DEUTSCHMEISTER  OFFICER'S TUNIC
Rare M36 tunic from a surviving officer of the doomed 44th Reichs-Grenadier Division "Hoch und Deutschmeister", worn by an infantry oberleutnant who possibly escaped death at Stalingrad to join his reformed division. The four pleated-pocket wool tunic bears six original buttons and shoulderboards which each bear the insignia known as the "Hoch und Deutschmeister Kreuz", a small blue Maltese cross edged in gold, with a Reichsadler and banner in the center reading "STALINGRAD". The boards are sewn to the tunic, and each bears a single brass pip (oxidized). Silver bullion chest eagle is original to the garment, and a three-position ribbon bar which includes an Iron Cross with Swords. Within, the garment is fully lined in gray rayon, with the sleeves lined in a striped cotton. In overall excellent condition, no mothing or other damage apparent. After its near total destruction at Stalingrad, the reformed division was sent to the Gothic Line in Italy where it fought at Monte Cassino before being shifted to Hungary.