*Swedish, 1951, Swedish Army M/39 Wool Field Tunic, Tre Kronor Buttons, Hemvärnet Collar Tabs, Stadion Label*
An original Swedish Army M/1939 wool field tunic manufactured during the Second World War pattern period and dated 1951, retaining its original Swedish military configuration and later Home Guard insignia.
The tunic is constructed from heavy grey-green felted wool, often referred to by collectors as “Swedish Grey”, a robust cloth designed for cold weather field service. The jacket follows the classic M/39 pattern with a high folding collar and a practical multi-pocket configuration consisting of four pockets to the front and two large rear skirt pockets, the latter commonly referred to as “game pockets” and intended for carrying rations, equipment, or personal gear.
The front closes with a vertical row of Swedish military buttons, each embossed with the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) national emblem of Sweden. These original buttons remain present and are an important feature for collectors, as they were frequently removed or replaced when surplus uniforms entered civilian use after military service. The tunic retains its green collar patches bearing the Tre Kronor emblem above the letter “H”, identifying issue to the Hemvärnet (Swedish Home Guard). The Home Guard was established in 1940 as a national volunteer defence force responsible for territorial protection, infrastructure security, and local defence. Large numbers of wartime M/39 uniforms continued to be issued to the Home Guard well into the early Cold War period.
Internally the tunic retains its cotton reinforcement lining panels and internal pocket arrangement, typical of Swedish military tailoring of the period. The lining carries a Swedish military property stamp featuring the three crowns emblem together with the date 1951, confirming official military issue and acceptance. Also present inside the lining is a manufacturer’s label reading “STADION – Petterson & Co., Målsryd.” Petterson & Co. was a Swedish textile manufacturer contracted to produce military garments to official specifications. The “Stadion” marking appears to have been the company’s brand designation used for their wool uniform production. Such contractor labels are occasionally encountered on post-war manufactured M/39 garments supplied under Swedish military contracts during the early Cold War period. Additional ink markings are visible to the lining including a size marking “50” together with inspection or depot codes, typical of Swedish military clothing issue stamps.
Approx. Measurements – Shoulder width: 46 cm. Sleeve length: 62 cm. Overall length (shoulder to hem): 81 cm.
Historical Note: The Swedish Army introduced the Model 1939 (M/39) uniform system shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. Although Sweden remained officially neutral throughout the conflict, the nation maintained large-scale mobilization to safeguard its borders and strategic resources. The M/39 field tunic became the standard combat and service garment for Swedish soldiers during this period, valued for its durable wool construction and practical design suited to Scandinavian climates.
Following the war, many wartime pattern uniforms continued to see service within the Hemvärnet (Home Guard). Established in 1940, the Home Guard functioned as a territorial defence force composed largely of volunteers and reservists tasked with protecting key infrastructure and supporting national defence. As a result, M/39 tunics such as this example remained in use throughout the late 1940s and early Cold War period, often receiving Home Guard collar insignia as seen here.
*Condition* Service-worn example showing signs of age and use consistent with military service and later storage. The wool exterior remains generally sound with good overall colour and structure. There is some fraying and wear at the collar edges and stitching near the collar seam. The Tre Kronor buttons remain present, though several show light wear and surface age consistent with service use. Internally the cotton reinforcement lining remains present, though it shows typical creasing, wear and some fraying to the edges. Ink issue markings and size markings remain visible. The Stadion manufacturer’s label is intact. The tunic retains its Hemvärnet collar tabs, though these show light wear consistent with age. The wool displays minor handling marks and storage wear throughout. Overall a complete and authentic Swedish M/39 field tunic with clear Home Guard attribution and period contractor label, remaining in solid collectible condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
