Heer M43 Tunics

Last Updated: November 14, 2008

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Heer M43 Tunic	Basic EM Insignia	Interior detail
Split cuff detail	Rear detail	Undercollar reinforcing details

Heer M43 Tunic
In late 1942, the Heer (Army) introduced a simplified version of the service tunic. Collector's have christened them "M43's". The coat was nearly identical to the previous "M40" model with 4 exceptions. The pocket pleats were eliminated to simplify production and conserve material, the pocket flaps were no longer scalloped, the lining was switched to acetate ("artificial silk") and the internal suspenders were replaced by short straps sewn directly to the tunci to hold the belt hooks. Our reproductions have all the details of the originals: 6-button front, hook and eye collar, darts, belt hook holes, acetate lining, split cuffs, collar bind buttons, first aid dressing pouch, shoulder board loops and so forth.
Fabric Samples? No. Since we do not manufacture these, we have no material samples available. Rest assured, the color and fabric is excellent.

Imported.
$140.00

New Basic Insignia Sewing Included
The price of German Tunics now includes sewing service for one pair of EM collar tabs and an EM breast or sleeve eagle for no additional charge. Other insignia, awards or alterations are extra cost. Sale and closeout items are exempt unless otherwise noted.

Two very important notes regarding insignia sewing:

1. Sewing of insignia may delay the shipping of your order for 4-5 days. Note: We have already applied M43 eagles and "generic" litzen to most of these. If that's the insignia you need, they can ship immediately. Those are also returnable with no restocking fee unless you have additional sewing done.

2. Any uniform which has had insignia sewn on is subject to a 30% restocking charge if returned. Any additional sewing charges (such as for cuff titles or tresse) are not refundable. (There is no charge for sewing on EM collar tabs and an eagle.)
Why a restocking fee? When a uniform is returned, we will have to remove the insignia and it and the uniform will have stitch holes which render them "used".
Therefore, if you are unsure of your size, we urge you to try it on first and then return it to us for sewing.
For more details and sewing rates go to the Insignia Sewing page.

M43 Heer Tunic Size Availability Size Availability 38R In Stock 40R In Stock 42R In Stock 44R In Stock 46R In Stock 48R In Stock 50R In Stock No other sizes available *Very limited availability. See the Heer Insignia page or the SS Insignia Page or the Luftwaffe Insignia page for a complete list of available insignia. Insignia Options Delete insignia: -$10.00 Sew on EM Collar Tabs and eagle: No Charge Substitute Officer Insignia: +$20.00 Sew on officer tabs and eagle: +$20.00 Cuff Title (any): +15.00 Substitute NCO boards and enough tresse for collar: +10.00 Sew on Tresse: +$20.00 (Chevrons, medals, and awards extra) Insignia Sewing rates

Includes one set of insignia 1 EM Breast or Sleeve Eagle (BeVo or Wool) 1 pr. EM Collar tabs 1 pr. EM Shoulderboards Please specify exactly what insignia you need! We must know the following if you want us to be able to ship your order. If you fail to specify which insignia you want, we will send you a Heer basic EM set with generic Litzen and infantry shoulderboards. If you want SS insignia... If want Heer insignia... Collar tabs: Embroidered or BeVo? Collar tabs: Waffenfarbe? If generic which one? Sleeve Eagle: Embroidered or BeVo? Breast Eagle: Embroidered or BeVo? Shoulderboards: What color piping? Shoulderboards: Early or Late War? What color piping? Thank you for your cooperation!

Authenticity facts regarding M43 Tunics Issue: This style tunic was manufactured from 1942 until the end of the War. Some less educated types have decided that that the model of his tunic had to correspond with the year of a soldier's service. All German troops in 1943 wore M43 tunics and so forth. That's completely retarded. The most commonly seen tunics, in original photos and films, are the M40's and M43's. Stocks of all sort were issued until exhausted. Thus, a soldier entering service in 1944 could possibly have been issued an M43, M40 or M36 tunics, depending on what was in his unit's supply depot. The Germans never specified that this or that unit was "only" allowed to wear a particular model tunic. They did not differentiate. A tunic was a tunic. Heer vs. SS: Yes, the Heer and SS M43 tunics do have minor external differences. We now offer the SS model as well. The SS tunics had one less button on the front, 2 instead of 3 holes at each belt hook point, and the collar was 1cm wider. However, with the chaotic supply situation late in the War as well as the large number of transfers of troops from one service to another, "Army" pattern tunics were definitely worn by the SS. It's quite likely that the reverse was true, but I suspect to a lesser extent. Luftwaffe? In 1944, large numbers of Heer troops were transferred to Luftwaffe Field Divisions. Both they and some personnel of the Herman Goring Division had field gray tunics. So, some Luftwaffe units also wore the Army tunics. If you are a re-enactor, get this clarified by your unit as to what they want you to wear. Alterations: The sleeves are approximately 36" on most sizes. For people 5'10" or taller, it's not usually a problem. If the sleeves need to be shortened more than 3/4", the best way is to remove them and cut them at the top and put them back in. We can do this, but it's a lot of work. We prefer not to shorten these (or make any alterations) until you have tried your uniform on which means you'll have to send it back to us. Check the sewing page for details and prices.