Notes
This is likely a German Kriegsmarine jacket, worn during World War II. These garments were primarily designed for the navy, where they were issued to U-boat crews and engine room personnel. Constructed from a tough leather shell with a sturdy cloth lining, these jackets effectively protected the wearer from wind, sea spray, and the harsh conditions found within a submarine or engine room. In 1943, the elite 1st SS Panzer Regiment seized navy stockpiles in Italy and France following Italy's surrender and requisitioned them for their own use. The durability and fire resistant qualities of these jackets made them attractive to these tank crews, and their use in that role quickly spread. By the time of the Normandy campaign in 1944, they had become an iconic symbol of the formidable 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions.
