BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although the uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years, many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The blue and white jumper shirts were a staple uniform item for all EM/NCO personnel and followed the basic design of the Imperial German Navy and Weimar Reichsmarine, (National Navy, Circa 1919-1933), era blue and white jumper shirts. The white jumper shirts were intended for wear in tropical climates or with the summer walking out dress while the navy blue shirts were utilized for everyday wear. The Kriegsmarine adopted a slightly modified version of the NSDAP’s, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (National Socialist German Worker’s Party), national eagle for wear on the front of the headgear and the right breast of the uniform on March 24TH 1934. The Kriegsmarine’s version of the national eagle was identical to the army version except for the coloration with the army utilizing silver, white and grey eagles while the Kriegsmarine utilized golden yellow eagles. Of Note: The only exceptions in the coloration of the Kriegsmarine eagles was that personnel serving in the Administrative branch utilized a silver eagle while eagles worn on the white jumper shirts were in cornflower blue. Of Note: Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms and headgear from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored items although the price may have been restrictive. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Standard issue, mid-weight, brushed, white cotton construction, pullover style, jumper shirt features a central, vertical, V-neck slash opening with dual, white, cotton tie tapes and an integral, fold back, blue nankeen rectangular collar. Original removable metal breast eagle (Rare to see with this type!). The shirt has a long tail skirt with small, vertical, "V" slashes to each outside seam and small, horizontally rectangular, dual-ply, reinforcement panels with dual, stitched eyelets to each, designed to secure the underpants to the shirt. Chest size 36/38". Nice!