THE M.34 PANZER WRAP: Details.

This model was built with wool piping sewn along the outside edges of the collar, there were various techniques for sewing this ornament, the color of the wool was pink for Panzertruppen and Panzerjäger (sometimes Aufklärung... Recon), golden yellow for Kavalerie PanzerAufklärung, lemon yellow for PanzerNachrichten (signals), red for PanzerArtillerie or Beobachter, twisted black and white (or aluminium) for the PanzerPioniere... The piping was ordered to be removed in 1942, but was still very popular after this date and was seen in service to the very end of the war.

We will here point out the main characteristics of the M.34 panzer wrap ...

- The collar shape:

Which is narrower than usually seen on the following models in particular the M.36 wrap. This particularity had an implication on the position of the collar tabs which had a rhomboid shape and were sewn parallel of the collar's ouside edges

Plate.1

Plate.1- As you can see on this picture, this pure regulation 1935 Pz Rgt.5 wrapper displays all the characteristics of the M.34 pre-war jackets. Here is shown the typical shape of the collar. Parallel to the outer edge sewn patch, wool piping, sewn-in type shoulder board, not only base sewn but all around onto the jacket.
Last point here, no hook at the junction ofthe collar and lapel as the lapels are here purely ornamental.

Plate 1.1

Plate.1.1- Here is another example of a M.34 jacket with al the satndards characteristics of this type. However it is interesting to point out that the junction of the lapel and collar is made with a wider angle than usual... Surely a manufacturer's variation.

Plate.2

Plate.2- On this Pz Rgt.2 Panzer Schütze picture you can see all the characteristics of the M.34 first type wrapper. The "Shulterklappen" (Shoulder boards) were made of fine high grade insignia wool (Abzeichen Tuch) just like the collar tabs, it is commonly admitted that they were made of the same black cloth on both sides of the boards, however this is not a 100% verified rule and variations can occur depending of the date of production of the jacket.

The lapels shape:

The two front lapels on this model were strictly ornamental and thus there was no closure system at the juncture with the collar, no smaller size buttons on the upper right panel, and no button holes on the left front lapel.

see plate 3.

Plate.3

The breast eagle sewn on the upper part of the right front panel was ordered to be applied through "Heeres-Verordnungsblatt 1935,Nr.690" and was machinesewn or hand sewn during the manufacture of the jacket before the installation of the lining. It is not uncommon to see these eagles sewn on a slightly larger piece of black wool hand sewn itself on the jacket. Between 1934 and The Nov. 11th 1935 the jacket just like the Schutzmütze (Panzer protection beret) didn't wear any Hoheitsabzeichen (eagle).

Plate.4

The soulder boards:

As seen on the plate.1 the shouder boards were sewn-in type sewn at the base of the shoulder inside the cuff seam. They were machine sewn likewise all around directly to the jacket along the edge of the wool piping, this to prevent the possible and disturbing catching on some protuding parts inside the Panzer... As seen on many period pictures this seam around the shoulder board was often undone , mainly for operational reasons when the crews were ordered to remove the embroidered regiment number or to hide them below a seath of cloth after the war declaration... The seam of along the edges was made after the lining application and is usually visible through the lining material.

Plate.5- Here the illustration of the still visible seam evidence which was once arount the board's edge

Plate.6- On this picture of a Panzerschütze of the Pz Rgt.8 showing shouder boards with unsewn edges.

The lining materials, stampings and insignia details will be discussed in another post...

Next will be the desciption of the main characteristics of the M.36 Panzer jacket.

THE PANZER WRAP.

Black Panzer Field Jacket
(Panzertruppen schwarze Sonderbekleidung).

Heeresmitteilungen, November 17. 1934 - Order Nr. 851, p.23.

Manufactured from black wool, the jacket was styled with a double-breast and short waist. It existed invarious types throughout the 1934-1945 period... In fact, regarding the variety of types, branch colors and modifications during these 11 years, makes this collecting topic one of the richest in the military uniform history... The style of this uniform was inspired by the 20's 30's ski clothing in Europe, and designed to be as comfortable and streamlined while in the close confines of a Panzer... This uniform was created in the same inovation spirit which ruled the tactics and weapons conception of this new branch of the Heer.

The usually accepeted nomenclature by collectors refers to:

- Model 1934, or first pattern,
- Model 1936, or second pattern,
- Model 1942, or w/o piping pattern,
- Model 1944/45 pattern, or simplified pattern.

We will see in the details which are the differences between the various wool patterns, but the main characreristics of the panzer wrap are as follow: The double breast front pulled all the way across the front and the vertical edge sloped slightly back towards the center. The collar was large with pointed ends. The top three buttons were usually left undone so the tunic could be opened at the top. This presented large lapels with three buttonholes showing. The main buttons on the front were hidden so they could not snag obstructions in the vehicle. There were four large black bone, bakelit, corozzo, or synthetic material buttons, which were secured to buttonholes on an inner flap just under the vertical edge of the double breast. The three top buttons, smaller in diameter than the main four, were out in the open and positioned in a place less prone to snagging. Each sleeve cuff had a opening slit closed by two buttons, the main buttons on the front were hidden so they could not snag obstructions in the vehicle. The back had a center seam. Interior had limited lining, primarily on the two front panels. This was made with either a gray sack cloth or a silver-gray artificial silk. One or two interior pockets were provided. Some black panzer jackets had provisions for belt hooks along the vertical side seams. There were straps provided inside to attach the metal belt hooks and insert the hooked section through the jacket. Sizes and manufacturer's codes and lots were stenciled into the interior.