BACKGROUND: The M43 field blouse was basically a continuation of the modifications of the M33 field blouse which had evolved into the M36, the M40 and the M42 field blouses. Modifications to the M42 field blouse included the elimination of the separate internal belt support hook suspenders with them being replaced by short integral straps in April 1943, and the replacement of the scalloped button flaps on the front pockets to straight flaps to simplify production in mid-1943. These alterations resulted in the M43 field blouse, which was to be the final variant of the original M33 field blouse. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army’s Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their uniforms from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase garments of higher quality. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive. The different branches of service within the army were allocated a particular identifying waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), with lemon yellow being chosen for Nachrichten, (Signals) personnel. On the field blouse and service tunic the waffenfarbe was generally displayed on the shoulder straps/boards and the collar tabs.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Field-grey, wool/rayon blend construction field blouse features a vertical, six button front closure with a single metal hook and eye positioned at the neckline. The field blouse has four, non-pleated, front pockets with straight edged button down flaps. The breast pocket are the basic patch type while the hip pockets are the saddlebag type with expanding side panels. Collar tabs are not originals and will need to be replaced. Eagle (original) is hand stitched and looks restored. Buttons all look to be replaced stitching. Part of the interior lining has been removed. Faint original size markings. Nice pair EM of M44 pattern slip on shoulder straps. The slides indicate that the owner was attached to the 34^TH Signals Battalion. Nice size and 1943 Depot marking. The field blouse is roughly size 38 chest.