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.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Coarse, re-worked, 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 forward neckline. The field blouse has four, non-pleated, front pockets with straight edged button down flaps. Breast eagle is restored to the tunic. The field blouse has four sets of three, vertically aligned, stitched eyelets with one set situated at either side of the front closure and two to either side of the back panel, at the waistline. The eyelets were designed for the belt support hooks. Nice pair of slip on Pioneer NCO straps. The collar features 1940 pattern, general issue field-grey litzen and mouse grey branch of service and center stripes. The collar tabs are machine stitched directly to the collar with no backing material. The interior of the field blouse is partially lined in grey rayon, with the lining running down the front closure panel edges and to the upper breast and back panels. The right front tail skirt lining has a field dressing pocket with a single button closure. The lining also has four, vertical, field-grey, canvas web straps with seven stitched eyelets to each, positioned to the reverse of the exterior belt support hook eyelets. Buttons all look to be original stitching. The field blouse is roughly size 32" chest. Excellent 1944 depot marking. Nice clean tunic!