Hauptmann of 14th Infantry Regiment Tunic

Hauptmann of 14th Infantry Regiment Tunic

This tunic, presumably produced in 1943, is made of standard wool fabric with a coarser weave, typical for tunics manufactured after 1942. The approximate size is 48 (European). The tunic is in excellent condition, without holes. The collar tabs show minor traces of moth activity, and they feature a white piping, a color characteristic of infantry. The shoulder boards are of the detachable type with two pips, indicating the rank of Hauptmann (Captain). Both sides of the chest have mountings for awards, including a probable mounting for the German Cross in Gold on the right side.

History of the 14th Infantry Regiment of the Wehrmacht: The 14th Infantry Regiment was formed in 1935 as part of Germany's rearmament program. The regiment participated in campaigns on the Western Front, including the invasion of Belgium and France in 1940. During operations on the Eastern Front, it distinguished itself in battles for Smolensk, Vyazma, and the Rzhev salient. In 1943, when this tunic was likely produced, the regiment took part in defensive operations on the southern sectors of the Eastern Front, including the battle for Kharkov. By the end of the war, elements of the regiment suffered significant losses and were either disbanded or restructured into other units.

This tunic is a unique historical artifact that reflects both the standard features of Second World War-era uniforms and the combat history of one of the Wehrmacht's notable units.