BACKGROUND: In November 1936 it was announced that a new style uniform was to be introduced with immediate effect. The Waffenrock was intended to replace the two existing uniforms, the Service Tunic (Tuchrock) and the Flying Blouse (Fliegerbluse). It was intended to be the standard article of clothing for wear by all ranks of all branches of the Luftwaffe on all those occasions when the previous two items were worn.. It combined the smartness of the Service Tunic with the practicability of the Flying Blouse. In appearance it was very similar to the Service Tunic in that it Had four patch pockets and was single breasted with a row of five metal buttons down the front. Unlike the Service Tunic however, it was so designed that it could be worn closed at the neck, a feature of the Flying Blouse. It was for this reason that the Uniform Tunic was considered suitable for wear both in peace time and on active service. From Brian Davis' book "Uniforms & Insignia of the Luftwaffe" Volume 1, pages 219 to 221

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Luftwaffe blue/grey wool/rayon blend construction tunic features a vertical, five button, front closure. The tunic has four, pleated, front pockets with straight edged button down flaps. The breast pockets are the basic patch type while the hip pockets are the saddlebag type with expanding side panels. The right breast has a machine embroidered second pattern, Luftwaffe eagle in silver/grey threads on a cut-out blue/grey wool base. The eagle is hand stitched to the tunic and looks to be restored. The straight cut, non-adjustable sleeves have deep, fold back, French cuffs which are tacked in the upright position at both the inner and outer sleeve seams. The side panels at the waistline each have four vertically aligned, horizontal thread loops and a central vertical slash for the belt support hooks. The reverse of the tunic has a central, vertical, tail skirt vent. The interior of the tunic is fully lined in ribbed, grey cotton twill and has a horizontal slash pocket to the left breast panel. The interior side panels at the waistline each have a ribbed, grey cotton twill strap with six stitched eyelets to each to secure the belt support hooks. The left breast lining is very well marked with maker and size markings. The buttons are all the bright, silver washed, pebbled alloy type and appear to mostly have their original stitching. The tunic is roughly size 38" chest. Collar tabs, collar piping and shoulder straps are removed. Scattered mothing in various places.