Swedish, Dated 1945, Swedish Army M/39 Wool Field Tunic, Tre Kronor Stamp 1945, Size 96, Made by Tiger, Modified as Reenactment German Heer Feldgendarmerie Blouse

*Swedish, Dated 1945, Swedish Army M/39 Wool Field Tunic, Tre Kronor Stamp 1945, Size 96, Made by Tiger, Modified as Reenactment German Heer Feldgendarmerie Blouse* 

An original Swedish Army wool field tunic of the M/1939 pattern, dated 1945 and manufactured by Tiger, later modified to resemble a German Second World War Heer field blouse with Feldgendarmerie insignia.

The tunic is constructed from the characteristic Swedish grey-green wool and retains the typical four-pocket front configuration of the Swedish M/39 pattern. Internally the garment bears the Swedish Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) military acceptance stamp above the date 1945 together with the size marking 96 and manufacturer mark Tiger, one of the civilian contractors supplying uniforms to the Swedish armed forces during and immediately after the war.

At some stage the tunic has been significantly altered in order to resemble a German field blouse. The original Swedish rear “game pockets” have been removed entirely, while the lower front pockets have been shortened internally and fitted with externally mounted buttons in the German style. Pebbled German-type field buttons have been added to the front closure and pockets, and an additional button has been installed at the neck. The sleeves have also been modified, incorporating side slits with button fastening, and the original Swedish under-arm reinforcement patches are now absent. The overall silhouette has therefore been adapted away from the standard Swedish cut to imitate the appearance of a German wartime service blouse. The tunic now displays German-style insignia including a Heer breast eagle and a pair of orange Litzen collar tabs, the branch colour orange traditionally representing Feldgendarmerie (German Military Police) during the Second World War. The eagle fitted is the common M43 trapezoid pattern, originally intended for the M43 field cap rather than for wear on the breast of a tunic.

While the underlying garment remains an authentic Swedish military issue tunic, the German insignia and tailoring alterations indicate that this piece represents a post-issue modification rather than an original German uniform.

Approx. Measurements – Shoulder width: 47 cm. Sleeve length: approx. 61 cm. Overall length (hem to collar top): approx. 73.5 cm.

History Note:
The Swedish M/1939 field tunic formed the standard combat and service uniform of the Swedish Army throughout the Second World War and remained in use into the early Cold War period. Sweden maintained a position of armed neutrality during the conflict but mobilised large forces and continued domestic uniform production throughout the war years.

Following the war, large quantities of Swedish military surplus entered the civilian market across Europe. Because the basic cut and wool colour were broadly similar to German field blouses, Swedish M/39 tunics were frequently adapted for theatrical productions, film work, reenactment, or collector display by adding German buttons and insignia. The modifications seen on this example — removal of the rear pockets, alteration of the front pockets, addition of German-style buttons and insignia — are consistent with this common post-service practice.

*Condition*
Service-worn example showing clear evidence of alteration and use. The tunic displays various structural modifications including removal of the original Swedish rear pockets, shortened lower pockets, additional button fittings, and altered sleeve openings. The original under-arm reinforcement patches are missing. German pebbled buttons and insignia have been added. The wool shows general wear consistent with age and handling but remains structurally sound. Internal stamps remain visible including the Tre Kronor acceptance mark and 1945 date. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQC0#2960_2859235542